Method and system for tracking and managing animals and/or food products

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. Identification data and location data for animals is entered into a computer system. A data service provider may collect this data and transmit it to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official and non-official data, and send official data to an official database. When a public health issue arises, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have commingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered. The disclosed embodiments also may be used to facilitate commercial transactions by providing data that validates an animal&#39;s health and food quality.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/230,486,filed Sep. 12, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/901,815, filed Oct. 11, 2010, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,037,846, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/425,286, filed Apr. 16, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,850,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/336,638,filed Jan. 19, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,681,527, which claimsthe benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/645,462, filed Jan. 19, 2005, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a method and system,particularly a computerized data management method and system, forsecurely collecting, storing and providing information concerning foodanimals, including, but not limited to: animal feed information, animallocation information, drug treatment information, and/or informationconcerning food products made from such animals.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the beef industry is the largest sector of the agricultureeconomy of the United States. The industry includes nearly one millioncattle producers. Many people envision the beef industry comprisingexpansive ranches and large cattle herds. In reality, the herd size ofthe average beef producer is less than 35 animals. Because of the sheernumber of producers and their varying herd sizes, beef producerstypically operate their production and marketing practices independentlyof one another and are rarely aligned with a common downstreamspecification. Cattle specifications are market descriptors of carcassesand live cattle that establish parameters such as the size, weight, age,sex, and type of feed provided to the animals. Specification detailsvary widely throughout the industry. As such, the beef supply chain hastraditionally operated in an adversarial and segmented marketplace,rendering information sharing difficult.

Nevertheless, approximately 80% of all U.S. beef eventually pass throughone of 400 large commercial feedyards, which prepare cattle to beharvested and made into beef products by major packing companies.Notably, these large feedyards generally have the capacity to handle8,000 or more head of cattle at any given time. Other types of animalsraised for meat also generally spend time in commercial feedyards inpreparation for slaughter.

Despite advancements in vaccines and other medicines, animals atfeedyards may be exposed to and/or spread diseases that are harmful topeople. In December 2003, the first case of bovine spongiformencephalopathy (BSE) or “mad cow” disease was reported in the U.S. Madcow disease is a brain disease that kills cattle and may be transmittedto people who eat meat from infected cattle.

Concern over mad cow disease and other animal diseases that may affectpeople, particularly those labeled “foreign animal diseases” (FADs),have caused consumers to demand additional food safety and traceabilityassurances. These demands have served as a catalyst among food retailersto encourage, and in some cases mandate, that suppliers provide detailedinformation on the source of their products. For example, majorretailers such as McDonalds®, Wal-Mart® and others have recentlyannounced goals to require their beef supply to be fully traceable tothe herd of origin. Doing so protects individuals from disease andallows potentially infected cattle to be treated in a manner appropriateto the situation. Treatment of diseased cattle can include treatmentwith suitable drugs, quarantine, and, if necessary, slaughter to preventthe disease from spreading further.

The lack of a fully traceable system has cost the beef industry billionsof dollars. Other livestock industries also have suffered. When adiseased animal is discovered, there currently is no way to properlyidentify animals that have been intimately associated with the diseasedanimal so as to require appropriate treatment in a complete and timelymanner. Thus, every animal is suspected of being infected with thedisease and is treated in a like manner. Ultimately, the discovery ofeven a single diseased animal can affect an entire livestock industry.

For example, as a result of a case of mad cow disease in a U.S. cow,U.S. beef exports were ceased to many countries. This caused the beefindustry to lose approximately $4.5 billion in export revenues. Whilethe U.S. produces the safest beef supply in the world, internationaltrade policy and consumer fears demand that every precaution be in placeto ensure that the transmission of animal diseases is mitigated. Thus, afully traceable system would be useful to identify the individualanimals and groups that have commingled with a diseased animal. Then,only those animals that are diseased or have shared a location with theinfected animal need be quarantined. Other healthy animals would stillbe available to move normally in commerce, e.g., to be bought, sold,shipped, etc.

Hence, there is a need for an animal tracking system that takesadvantage of current commercial systems, is cost-effective, and addsvalue to the process. There also is a need for methods and systems fortracking animal movement in the normal stream of commerce, whileprotecting the confidentially of collected data and insuring theaccuracy of the collected data.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of an Animal Identification Framework(AIF) that may address some or all of the deficiencies of systemsproposed by the U.S. government, such as the National AnimalIdentification System (NAIS) proposed within the United States AnimalIdentification Plan (USAIP). Although some form of tracking system isneeded, the proposed government-controlled system regulates the movementof essentially the entire healthy food animal population and thus risksimpeding the normal movement of animals in commerce. Without the properfunctionality, the NAIS could fail implementation and/or substantiallyreduce the efficiency of the food supply chain.

Some disclosed embodiments incorporate computerized data management totimely track the location of animals. For example, some embodimentsprovide real-time, data management capability while protecting theconfidentiality of certain data, all without interfering with typicalanimal commerce. In fact, some embodiments provide animal informationthat aids commerce, such as by improving the movement and merchandisingof animals. In addition, certain embodiments allow the use of multipleanimal identifiers, as opposed to the single animal identifier proposedby the NAIS. These identifiers and other data can be associated with asingle database animal identifier for each animal. The animalidentifiers can be encoded into physical devices and/or be physicalcharacteristics associated with the animals. Examples of such devicesinclude RFID tags, RFID implants, RFID boluses, visual devices, bar codedevices, other useful devices now known or hereafter discovered, andcombinations of such devices. Examples of physical characteristicsinclude brands, retinal scans, DNA profiles, other useful physicalcharacteristics now known or hereafter discovered, and combinations ofsuch physical characteristics. Certain embodiments also allowdistinguishing between animals that may have occupied a particularlocation. For example, animals that were not intimately associated witha particular diseased animal can be distinguished from animals that werepotentially intimately associated with the diseased animal. It may bepossible, therefore, to avoid the cost of treating the former group. Incontrast, the NAIS does not allow for positive identification of onlythose animals from a given location that need to be investigated ortreated.

The NAIS requires implementing a completely newgovernmentally-controlled system rather than utilizing existing systemscurrently in use. It also fails to make efficient use of infrastructurecurrently in place. Certain disclosed embodiments utilize known systemsand infrastructure in various new combinations and in combinations withnew methods and systems. Thus, many of the disclosed embodiments can beadopted without undue expense.

Some embodiments can potentially enable commercial economic benefits toindustry from identification, tracking, management and process controlto improve profits while protecting confidentiality and encouragingparticipation in the AIF. Overall, the disclosed embodiments may providemore accurate real-time identification, communication and recording ofdata for healthy animals and potentially problematic animals. This helpspreclude a complete shut down of the food animal industry supply chainand helps prevent mistakes that impede normal animal commerce.

According to a first aspect, embodiments of the system and methoddescribed herein may allow health officials to implement a suitablestrategy concerning animals that have commingled with a diseased animalin a manner sufficient to potentially transfer the disease, therebyreducing the chance that consumers will consume unhealthy or unsafeanimal products. For example, if a cow is diagnosed with a disease, thetools and techniques of the disclosed AIF can be used to trace andascertain the animal's location history. Based on that information,other animals that have commingled with or occupied a common locationwith the diseased animal can be examined, quarantined, slaughtered orotherwise treated for the same disease.

According to a second aspect, some embodiments of the system and methoddescribed herein may include collecting and organizing data in a secureframework that makes it possible to share official data and non-officialdata among the diverse and segmented portions of the livestockindustries. Moreover, these tools and techniques make it possible forpublic and government entities to access official data by serving as abuffer between commercial animal information systems and governmentsponsored systems. For example, a filter tool may be used to screennon-official data from official data before releasing the official datato an official database or to a public or government entity.

According to a third aspect, some embodiments of the system and methodinclude collecting, organizing, and storing information regarding themovement of animals. These techniques and tools have the potential todramatically improve the ability of animal producers and other entitiesto trace an animal's movements and/or locations without releasing allanimal data to a government-controlled system. Tools and techniques canbe used to screen data from public and government entities. Upon requestfrom a public or government entity, certain portions of the data may bereleased to allow health officials to identify and treat animals thathave commingled with diseased animals in a manner appropriate for aparticular disease. For example, when an animal is discovered with ananimal disease, such as a foreign animal disease, health officialswithin the government may request access to the location history of theanimal. Based on location identifiers, tools and techniques describedherein can be used to generate a report listing animals that havecommingled with the diseased animal. With that information, governmentand health officials can implement a strategy for minimizing the effectsof the diseased animal on human health and commerce.

To implement the disclosed AIF, new and old technology can be combined.For example, some descriptions of potentially-useful technology appearin the documents listed below.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,733,971, 4,815,042, 4,889,433, 5,219,224, 5,340,211 andRE34,776 disclose methods and apparatuses for providing feed and feedadditives to animals. These patents are incorporated herein byreference. Some disclosed embodiments concern apparatuses that storeadditive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then, ondemand, dispense the additive concentrates separately and sequentiallyinto a weigh hopper for sequential, cumulative weighing therein.Embodiments of the apparatus also can be used to dispense some additiveconcentrates by weight and others by volume into a mixing vessel.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,910,024, 5,369,032 and 5,401,501 disclose methods andapparatuses for maintaining and administering live probiotic to animalsas feed. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. Certainembodiments include preparing a concentrated suspension of anaerobicbacteria at a known, accurate concentration and storing the preparedsuspension, potentially for prolonged periods, in a ready-to-usecondition without significant loss of viability. This allows operatorsto conveniently administer such bacterial supplements to animals as aprobiotic on a regular basis in accurate dosages.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,821 discloses a computerized process and system forassigning and delivering feed to animals in a feedlot. This patent isincorporated herein by reference. Some of the disclosed systemembodiments include a portable computer for recording assignment datafor each cattle pen and a host computer that stores information, such asfeed-consumption data, for each of the plurality of cattle pens in thefeedlot.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,315,505, 5,803,906, 6,547,726 and 6,592,517 disclosemethods and systems for providing animal health histories and trackinginventory of drugs. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.Certain disclosed embodiments include providing improved drug treatmentto selected animals in a retained group using a computer system. Otherdisclosed embodiments include a computer-based system for providingup-to-date health histories of animals, for example, in a feedlot. Thesystem can include indicia elements associated with each animal foridentifying the animal and a data entry device coupled to a computer forreading the indicia elements to identify the animal to the computer.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,573,002, 5,836,880, 6,200,210 and 6,579,236 disclosemethods and apparatuses for measuring internal tissue characteristics infeed animals. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. Someof the disclosed embodiments can be used, for example, to measurebackfat and rib eye dimensions, obtain ultrasound images and determinerib eye area and marbling using measured tissue characteristics. Thisdata can then be used to perform grading calculations, such as todetermine quality and/or yield grades.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,673,647, 6,000,361, 6,135,055, 6,318,289, 6,516,746 and6,805,075 disclose cattle management methods and systems. These patentsare incorporated herein by reference. Some of the disclosed embodimentsare highly automated methods and systems for identifying individualanimals (e.g., using electronic identification) and specificationmeasurements at a low cost. Also disclosed are techniques for collectingand storing animal-related data.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,131,744 and 6,736,272 disclose systems and methods forrecycling identification tags. These patents are incorporated herein byreference. Certain embodiments include recyclable tags that can be usedwith embodiments of the method and system disclosed in the presentapplication.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/292,412, discloses a method andsystem for determining the respiratory or circulatory health conditionof animals for improved management. This patent application isincorporated herein by reference. Certain embodiments include imagingthe internal organs, particularly the lungs, of animals and usinginformation from this imaging to make management decisions regarding theanimals.

Collectively, the above-referenced patents and application will bereferred to herein as the “MicroBeef patent documents.” Certainembodiments of the Microbeef patent documents concern methods andsystems implemented at feedlots or packing plants, for example. A personof ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the methods and systemscan be implemented at other locations and integrated with the disclosedembodiments of the present invention.

Some embodiments of the disclosed method include entering into acomputer system data relating to individual animals and correlating thedata with an identification of the individual animals in the computersystem. The data can, for example, be data for animals commingled fromdifferent locations. The identification of each animal can be enteredinto the computer system from a physical identifier for the animalenabling the computer system to identify each animal and distinguish itfrom every other animal in a group. The data entered into the computersystem also can include location data for identified individual animalsfor a location or locations occupied by the identified animals. Thelocation data can include, for example, location data generated by a GPSdevice. The location data for each animal can be correlated in thecomputer system with the animal identifications.

After the data has been entered, a user can be allowed to review arecord for an identified animal that includes a location identifier forthe present location of the animal and that the identified animaloccupied a previous location without disclosing a previous locationidentifier. In some embodiments, the user is allowed to review a recordfor an identified animal that includes a location of the animal, amovement destination location of the animal, and that the animaloccupied a previous location without disclosing the previous locationidentifier. For example, a seller of an identified animal may be allowedto review a record of the identified animal that includes a locationidentifier for the present location of the animal and that the animaloccupied a previous location without disclosing the previous locationidentifier. The seller may then make available the identification andlocation data for the identified animal to a buyer. For example, theseller may provide information to a buyer to help the buyer make apurchase decision concerning the identified animal. Similarly, a buyerof an identified animal may be allowed to review a record of theidentified animal that includes a location identifier for the sellerlocation of the animal (and/or a location of the animal when owned by aseller) and that the animal occupied a previous location withoutdisclosing the previous location identifier. A user also may be able touse the data in the computer system to identify a location or locationsoccupied by an initially identified animal. Then the user may be able toidentify in the computer system a subsequently identified animal thatshared a location with the initially identified animal.

Some embodiments further comprise entering into the computer system theidentification of each animal from a physical identifier selected fromthe group of an RFID device, retinal scan, DNA profile, visual device,bar code device, brand, and combinations thereof. The RFID device may,for example, be an RFID ear tag, RFID implant, RFID bolus, orcombinations thereof. The RFID device also may be recyclable. In someembodiments, multiple identifiers are entered into the computer systemfor the identified animal. The multiple identifiers can include, forexample, an RFID device, a visual device and a DNA profile.

In some embodiments, confidential information can be filtered from dataentered into the computer system to enable a user to review a filteredrecord. The confidential information can include, for example, aprevious location identified for an identified animal. In theseembodiments, the computer system may allow a user to determine from datain the computer system that an initially identified animal occupied aprior location or locations without disclosing a prior locationidentifier. Then, a subsequently identified animal can be identifiedthat shared a location with the initially identified animal. Forexample, a user may be allowed to review a record for an identifiedanimal that includes a location of the animal, a movement destinationlocation of the animal, and that the animal occupied a previous locationwithout disclosing the previous location identifier.

Embodiments of the disclosed method also can include transmitting dataassociated with an animal to the computer system comprising at least ananimal identifier. The data can be transmitted, for example, from aphysical identifier, such as an RFID device ear tag, a retinal scan, aDNA profiler, a visual device, a bar code device, a brand, or acombination thereof. The method also can include collecting thetransmitted animal data in the computer system, wherein the animal datais correlated according to the animal identifier. The animal identifiercan be associated with a set of previous location identifiers in thecomputer system, wherein the set of previous location identifiers isassociated with a set of previous locations occupied by the animal. Acurrent location identifier also can be associated with the animalidentifier in the computer system, wherein the current locationidentifier uniquely identifies a current location of the animal. Thesystem then may enable a report to be generated to list the currentlocation of the animal and the set of previous locations occupied by theanimal, wherein the set of previous location identifiers is filtered.The report may be generated, for example, based on the current locationand previous locations occupied by the animal with the current locationidentifier filtered. A user then may be enabled to review the report. Asubsequently identified animal may be identified that shared a locationwith an initially identified animal. This can be done, for example, bycomparing the set of previous location identifiers to a set of locationidentifiers associated with the subsequently identified animal,correlating a subset of data from the animal data to a subset of dataassociated with the subsequently identified animal and filtering the setof previous location identifiers and the set of location identifiersassociated with the subsequently identified animal. Some embodimentsfurther comprise identifying in the computer system a secondsubsequently identified animal that shared at least one location withthe first subsequently identified animal.

Embodiments of the disclosed system can include a physical identifier totransmit animal data, a data reader to read transmitted animal data fromthe physical identifier, a data service provider to store received datafrom the data reader, and a data trustee to receive at least a portionof the animal data from the data service provider and to filterconfidential information from the received data. Some embodiments alsoinclude a GPS device for transmitting location data for an identifiedanimal. The animal data can include, for example an animal identifier.In some embodiments, the data service provider adds to the animal data apremises identifier that corresponds to a location and the data serviceprovider correlates the animal data according to the animalidentification value. The premises identifier may be allocated by apremises allocator. The data trustee may reconcile the premisesidentifier against a premises identifier repository. Similarly, the datatrustee may reconcile the animal identifier against an animalidentification repository. In some embodiments, the data trusteemaintains a database, such as a secured database.

The data trustee may generate a trace report based on the receivedanimal data and may apply a filter to the received animal data to screenthe confidential information. The trace report may, for example, listofficial data, such as locations that an animal has occupied withoutdisclosing the premises identifier. The trace report may be accessibleto be reviewed by users, such as buyers or sellers. The trace reportalso can be correctable. For example, some embodiments of the systeminclude a web-based interface for correcting the trace report. Thesystem also can include a public-accessible storage center to which thedata trustee sends official data.

The data trustee may generate a variety of reports. For example, thedata trustee may generate a report identifying in the computer system asubsequently identified animal that shared a location with an initiallyidentified animal. The data trustee also may generate a confirmationreport upon receipt of the received data.

Some additional embodiments are directed to controlling the spread ofdiseases, such as foreign animal diseases, such as mad cow disease.These embodiments may include requesting a trace report from a datatrustee upon discovering a diseased animal, generating a trace reportthat filters confidential information and identifying location ofanimals that have commingled with the diseased animal. A treatmentstrategy then can be implemented for animals that have commingled withthe diseased animal. The treatment strategy can comprise, for example,treating the disease, quarantining the animals, slaughtering theanimals, or a combination thereof. Requesting a trace report from thedata trustee can include determining an animal identifier for thediseased animal, performing a data look-up in a public sector databaseto retrieve a data record address that stores diseased animal data andretrieving the diseased animal data from the data trustee using the datarecord address. Generating the trace report can include performing asearch on official and non-official data stored at the data trustee forlocation history data, wherein the search is performed using the animalidentifier of the diseased animal, compiling the location history datafor the diseased animal, comparing the location history data of thediseased animal to the other animals, generating a report of sharedlocations wherein the diseased animal commingled with others, andfiltering non-official information from the report.

Some additional embodiments are directed to creating a buffer betweencommercial animal information systems and government sponsored animalsystems. Such embodiments can include collecting animal data,distinguishing the animal data into official and non-official data,storing non-official data in a secure environment and implementingsecurity procedures to protect the non-official data. Additionalembodiments can include gathering location data for locations occupiedby individual animals using RF triangulation or trilateration devicesassociated with the individual animals, entering or transmitting thelocation data into a computer system and correlating the location datawith identifiers for the individual animal. The RF triangulation ortrilateration devices can be GPS devices and may be integrated withphysical identification devices associated with the individual animals.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be madeapparent from the following detailed description of implementations thatproceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a national animal identification system(NAIS).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an infrastructure for assigning premisesidentifiers.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of infrastructure for assigning animalsuniversal identifiers.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an animal identification framework (AIF)for tracing animal locations.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a data service provider for receiving,storing, and reporting animal information.

FIGS. 6A-D are sample lists illustrating the type of data sent in atrace report.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a data trustee for screening confidentialinformation from received animal information.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a technique filtering confidentialdata.

FIG. 9 is a table illustrating a trace report.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a technique for tracing an animal'slocation history.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a technique identifying diseasedanimals.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the layout of the single-file cattleprocessing chute and sorting pen portion of a feedlot.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the layout of a pen sorter includingfeed pens, water pens and shipping pens for a feedlot.

FIG. 14 is a cattle processing timeline to exemplify a method ofprocessing and managing cattle.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are cattle processing diagrams illustratingthree alternative methods of processing and managing cattle in afeedlot.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the single-file measuringchute and adjacent sorting pens similar to those shown in FIG. 12, buton an enlarged scale and showing schematically a control means forcontrolling the operation thereof.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the computerized control system.

FIG. 18 is a cattle processing diagram but in considerably greaterdetail than those of FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C.

FIG. 19 is a data flow block diagram illustrating the data flow in acomputerized control system.

FIG. 20A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the get ready stall of thesingle-file chute shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, including the locations ofsensors used in such stall.

FIG. 20B is a flow diagram of the computer program used to operate theentrance (tail) gate and exit (head) gate in conjunction with thesensors of FIG. 20A for the get ready station.

FIG. 21A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the video and EID/scalestations of the single-file chute shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, showing thelocations of sensors used in operating the tail and head gates for theEID/scale station.

FIG. 21B is a flow diagram of the computer program used to control theoperations of the tail and head gates for the EID/scale station of FIG.21A in conjunction with the sensors of such station.

FIG. 22A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the ultrasound stationportion of the single-file chute shown in FIGS. 12 and 16 showing thelocations of sensors used in operating the control gates for suchstation.

FIG. 22B is a flow diagram of a computer program used to control theoperation of the tail gate and head gate of the ultrasound station ofFIG. 22A in conjunction with the sensors for such station.

FIG. 23A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the processing station ofthe single-file chute of FIGS. 12 and 16 showing the location of sensorsfor operating the control gates of such station.

FIG. 23B is a flow diagram of a computer program used to control theoperation of the tail gate and head gate for the processing station ofFIG. 23A in conjunction with the sensors at such station.

FIG. 24A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the sort pen entrance gatesfor the sort pens shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 24B is a flow diagram of a computer program used to control theoperation of the entrance gates to the sort pens of FIG. 24A.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are a flow diagram of a computer program used tocontrol the processing sequence for each animal proceeding through thevarious measuring and processing stations in the single-file chute ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of the overall process control computerprogram for controlling the operation of the various computer-operateddevices and equipment of a cattle management system.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of a station initialization computer programfor the various measuring and processing stations of the single-filechute shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of a computer program used to update the datafor each computer-operated measuring apparatus at each measuring andprocessing station.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of a station setup computer program used toprepare each station for the receipt of an animal for measuring andprocessing.

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of a computer program used to ensure thecapture of an animal within a measuring or processing station beforemeasurements or processings are initiated at the station in thesingle-file chute shown in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are a flow diagram of a computer program used formaking measurements at the various measuring stations of the single-filechute, including weight, external dimension and internal measurements.

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram of a computer program used for preparing astation or a sort pen for releasing an animal from the station or sortpen to another destination.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart of a computer program used for reading theultrasound backfat data of an animal at the ultrasound measuring stationof the single-file chute shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart of a computer program used to interface theprocess control and other computers used for collecting data at thevarious feedlot measuring, processing and sorting stations or pens withthe main feedlot business system (FBS) computer so that data can bepassed back and forth between the FBS computer and the variousprocessing computers used in the overall computer control system.

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram of a computer program used for loading stationconfiguration information into the computer system for a particularfeedlot cattle management system.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram illustrating the process and formulas forcalculating “Days to Finish,” followed by an example calculation basedon hypothetical animal measurements.

FIG. 37 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative method to that ofFIG. 36 for calculating “Days to Finish” for an individual animal,followed by an example calculation based on hypothetical measurements ofthe animal.

FIG. 38 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of determining feedproration to individual animals following a first set of animalmeasurements in the feedlot.

FIG. 39 is a flow chart illustrating the process of determining feedproration to individual animals in a feedlot following a second andsubsequent sets of animal measurements in the feedlot.

FIG. 40 is a flow diagram showing how calculations of “Days to Finish”from FIGS. 36 and 37 can be used to create an average “Days to Finish”for projecting when an individual animal will be ready to ship from afeedlot.

FIG. 41 is a graph plotting selling price against animal backfat alongtwo different curves during the time that an animal is on feed in afeedlot.

FIG. 42 is an illustration of a portable hospital unit.

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of the portable hospital unit shown inFIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is an illustration of the portable hospital unit incommunication with a host computer.

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of the animal health computer of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram of an animal health system.

FIGS. 47A-B are flowcharts illustrating programming of the hostcomputer.

FIG. 48A is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a portion of thehospital/processing menu within the programming of the host computer.

FIG. 48B is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a second portion ofthe hospital/processing menu within the programming of the hostcomputer.

FIG. 49A is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the programming of theportable unit.

FIG. 49B is a flowchart illustrating a second portion of the programmingof the portable unit.

FIG. 49C is a flowchart illustrating a third portion of the programmingof the portable unit.

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram showing a complete system of oneembodiment of an ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis apparatus.

FIG. 51 is a side, partially disassembled view, illustrating anultrasound transducer and dispensing handpiece unit.

FIG. 52 is a plan view of the switch unit illustrated in FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a front-end view of the switch unit of FIG. 51.

FIG. 54 is an enlarged side view of the handpiece illustrated in FIG.51.

FIG. 55 is a bottom plan view of the handpiece of FIG. 51.

FIG. 56 is a rear end view of the handpiece illustrated in FIG. 51.

FIG. 57 is a schematic illustrating the switch unit of FIG. 51.

FIG. 58 is a schematic drawing illustrating an operator using anultrasound tissue analyzer in a packing plant for analyzing backfat on astunned ruminant conveyed to the operator after being stunned and bled.

FIG. 59 is a schematic drawing illustrating an alternative method formeasuring internal tissue characteristics of a stunned ruminant using afirst operator to apply a conductive liquid to a stunned ruminantconveyed to the first operator after being stunned and bled, and asecond operator to take ultrasound measurements on the ruminantfollowing the application of conductive liquid.

FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a packingplant and ruminant tissue analysis locations in the packing plant.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view showing the major components of a feeddelivery apparatus.

FIG. 62 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the internalcomponents of the main cabinet shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged, perspective view of a typical foot portion andisolation pad of a support leg of the apparatus of FIG. 61.

FIG. 64 is an enlarged, front elevational view of the main cabinet shownin FIG. 61, the cabinet panels having been removed to show the internalparts of the machine.

FIG. 65 is an enlarged, perspective view of the weigh frame subassemblyof the apparatus shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a load cell ina weigh tower of the weigh frame of FIG. 65, the remainder of the weighframe being broken away.

FIG. 67 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of theweigh hopper subassembly of the weigh frame shown in FIG. 65.

FIG. 68 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a dry additivedispensing means portion of the apparatus of FIG. 64, shown mounted onthe main frame assembly of FIG. 64.

FIG. 69 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the mixing vessel andassociated components of the main frame assembly shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 70 is a plumbing diagram for the fluid components of the feeddelivery apparatus.

FIG. 71 is a schematic view of the air flush system for the weigh hopperportion of the apparatus.

FIG. 72 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a computer programwhich controls the weigh means of the present apparatus.

FIG. 73 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a computer programwhich controls all machine operating sequences and functions other thanthe weigh functions illustrated in FIG. 72.

FIG. 74 is an electrical control schematic diagram for the illustratedapparatus.

FIG. 75 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a computer programwhich controls alternative volumetric metering and dispensing functionsof the illustrated apparatus.

FIG. 76 is a schematic view illustrating a system in whichmicroingredient additive concentrates are dispensed directly into amixing vessel from individually weighed storage containers.

FIG. 77 is a schematic view illustrating a system in which dry additiveconcentrates are dispensed by weight into a weigh hopper while liquidadditive concentrates are metered by volume directly into the mixingvessel.

FIG. 78 is a schematic view showing a system in which different additiveconcentrates can be dispensed into different weigh hopperssimultaneously and the different weigh hoppers discharged eitherindependently or simultaneously and either after the weighing of eachadditive or cumulatively after the cumulative weighing of multipleadditives in each hopper.

FIG. 79 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a modification ofthe computer program of FIG. 75 which controls a hybridvolumetric-weight system of measuring the amounts of microingredientsdispensed using apparatus of the general type shown in FIG. 76.

FIG. 80 is a schematic diagram of a system for assigning feed to eachfeed bunk.

FIG. 81 is a schematic view showing data transfer between the portableand host computer of FIG. 80.

FIGS. 82A and 82B are a flowchart illustrating the computerizedoperation of the system of FIG. 80.

FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram of a system for delivering feed to eachfeed bunk.

FIGS. 84A and 84B are a flowchart illustrating the computerizedoperation of the system of FIG. 83.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout this disclosure, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

The following terms may be abbreviated in this disclosure as follows:Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), animal identification framework(AIF), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Data Encryption Standard(DES), database management system (DBMS), electronic identificationdevice (EID), Extensible Markup Language (XML), foreign animal disease(FAD), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), group/lot identifier (GID),global positioning system (GPS), International Data Encryption Algorithm(IDEA), international organization for standardization (ISO), nationalanimal identification system (NAIS), premises identifier (PID), prettygood privacy (PGP), radio frequency (RF), radio frequency identification(RFID), secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS), Structured QueryLanguage (SQL), United States Animal Identification Plan (USAIP), UnitedStates Department of Agriculture (USDA), and universal animal identifier(UAID).

Protecting animal agriculture by safeguarding animal health is vital tothe well-being of people everywhere. In fact, protecting animalagriculture promotes human health, provides wholesome, reliable, andsecure food resources, mitigates national economic threats, and enhancesa sustainable environment. An element of this goal to safeguard animalhealth in an effective AIF that allows users to quickly and efficientlytrace information concerning an animal, including without limitation, ananimal's location history, treatment history, such as drug or feedadditive administration, food products made from such animal, and anycombination of such information. By doing so, diseased animals, thosepotentially diseased, and/or those animals that have commingled with thediseased animals may be identified and dealt with, e.g., treated,quarantined, or destroyed when necessary. Certain disclosed embodimentsconcern techniques and tools for implementing such an AIF.

The following provides definitions of certain terms used herein. Thesedefinitions are provided to aid the reader, and should not be construedto be narrower than would be understood by a person of ordinary skill inthe art.

“Animal,” “animals” or “livestock” generally refer to any number ofdomesticated and/or wild animals such as swine, cattle, horses, bison,goats, sheep, deer, elk, alpaca, llama, poultry animals, fish, etc.

A “cohort” or “cohorts” refers to an animal or animals that occupied asame general location, such as might be identified by a premisesidentifier, as some other animal or animals, but not necessarily at thesame time. Cohorts can refer to a group of animals occupying a samelocation, and if one or more of these animals is moved to a secondlocation, then the moved animal now is, or animals are, associated witha second cohort group.

“Commingled” is a subset of the term cohort and generally refers toanimals that occupy the same general location at a common time. Forexample, a first group of animals might be owned by the same owner andpastured separately from a second group. Both the first group and thesecond group may be referred to as cohorts, particularly if the firstand second pasture are identified by the same premises identifier, butare not commingled. Animals in the first group are commingled, andanimals in the second group are commingled, but animals of the firstgroup are not commingled with animals of the second group. Comminglingalso can be considered to occur when animals have unrestrained access toeach other. Under the USAIP, a single premises identifier may be used toidentify cohorts, but cohorts may not be sufficiently intimatelyassociated so as to warrant treating all animals in the group in thesame manner, such as in case of a detected disease. By providingadditional animal identifiers, as disclosed in the present application,cohorts in this and other examples can be treated differently.

“Feedlot” can include meat feedlots, dairy feedlots and any other animalfeedlots.

“Food products” include, without limitation, meat, milk, poultry, eggs,fat and other animal products.

“Intimately associated” typically refers to animals that are insufficiently close contact that, for example, transmission of a diseasemight be inferred. Simply because animals are commingled does notnecessarily mean that they are intimately associated. Again by way ofexample, animals located in a large pasture area may be consideredcommingled, but may not ever be intimately associated.

“Participants” include, without limitation, producers, grazers,auctions, markets, feedlots, packers, data service providers, datatrustees, and others.

I.) United States Animal Identification Plan (USAIP)

Over the last several years, animal industry professionals, academics,and state and federal government representatives have debated thefeasibility of implementing a single, nationwide computerized systemthat utilizes an individual food animal identification tracking andmanagement system. As a result of those debates, the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) endorsed most of the USAIP that definesthe standards and a framework for implementing and maintaining aphased-in national animal identification system (NAIS). Basically, theUSAIP provides one proposed method to enable not only the beef industrybut all livestock industries and government officials to performlifetime traces and disease surveillance on cattle, swine, sheep, andother animals. Tracing animals would allow government officials, animalproducers, animal purchasers, and others to determine where an animalhas been and what other animals have been in contact with the “traced”animal.

For example, if a cow is diagnosed with mad cow disease, an NAIS wouldallow government health officials to trace where an animal has been overits entire lifetime and investigate and control the disease. Control canbe achieved by any method deemed suitable at the time implemented,including, but not limited to quarantine, treatment or slaughter ofanimals that have commingled with the diseased animal. The USAIPrequires that a complete trace report be obtainable within 48 hours ofthe initiation of an investigation following the diagnosis of a diseasedanimal.

The basics of the NAIS proposed under the USAIP are illustrated inFIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the interaction between the NAIS 1002 and an animalproducer 1102. The animal producer 1102 collects data 1112 about hisanimals and stores that data in a database 1202. The type of datacollected by animal producer 1102 varies among animal industries;however, the data typically includes many of the same types of data thatare found in a cattle specification. Under the USAIP, that data issupplemented by an official ID tag and may include additionalidentifiers to help trace a specific animal. For example, to trace ananimal's location history, the USAIP proposes a premises identifier(PID) and a universal animal identifier (UAID) with the animal data1112. Whenever an animal is moved to a new location, the new location'sPID is linked to the animal's UAID in a database. By doing so, theseidentifiers help pinpoint where an animal has been during its lifetime.

Data collection usually begins at the animal producer's location. As ananimal moves in the stream of commerce and passes through datacollection points, additional records or information are collected anduploaded to a national animal information database 1302. The nationalanimal information database 1302 receives a complete data record 1212.According to the USAIP, the national animal information database 1302 isaccessible to the USDA and other health officials. Thus, when an animalis discovered with an animal disease, such as a FAD, the USDA determinesthe assigned UAID of the diseased animal and reviews the animal'srecords in the national animal information database 1302, which is alsothe “official database.” Based on recorded PIDs it is possible togenerate a trace report 1222 showing where a diseased animal has been.At that point, appropriate measures can be put into effect to preventthose animals that have commingled with the diseased animal, asidentified solely by a premises identifier, from entering themarketplace. The USAIP's goal is to protect people from buying taintedmeats and other animal products and to prevent the disease fromspreading to other animals.

To put an NAIS in place, the USAIP proposes implementing the followingsystems: a national premises identification system, an individual animalidentification system, and a group/lot identification system.

A.) National Premises Identification System

The national premises identification system assigns a unique number toeach premises involved in animal agriculture. Generally, a premises isan identifiable physical location that, in the judgment of animal healthofficials, area veterinarians, or other designated group, and, whenappropriate, in consultation with the affected producer, represents aunique and describable geographic entity (e.g., where activity affectingthe health and/or traceability of animals may occur) or represents theproducer contact location when extensive grazing operations exist. Byassigning a unique identifier to premises, the location history ofanimals is more easily tracked. The USAIP-proposed premises identifieris a 7-character alphanumerical value, e.g., A123B45.

FIG. 2 is a simple block diagram illustrating the USAIP's proposedinfrastructure for assigning PIDs. Basically, a premises 2102 isrequired to file a request for a PID with a local government premisessystem 2202. The local government premises system 2202 contacts anational premises allocator 2302 for a PID 2112. The national premisesallocator 2302 assigns a PID 2112 to the premises 2102 and sends it backto the local government premises system 2202. The local governmentpremises system 2202 forwards it to the requesting premises 2102 and toa national premises repository 2402. The USDA has access to all PIDsthrough the national premises repository 2402. Using the PIDs, the USDAcan determine animal location histories. According to the USAIP, the PID2112 uniquely identifies a premises.

The USAIP's national premises identification system requires states andlocal governments to identify and validate premises.

B.) Individual Animal Identification System

In conjunction with a premises identifier, the USAIP proposes using anindividual animal identification system involving assigning universalidentification numbers (UAID) to tags, which are later associated withanimals. FIG. 3 is a simple block diagram illustrating the entitiesinvolved in this process. The tag manufacturer 3102 first obtains auniversal animal identification number (UAID) 3112 from an animalidentification number allocator 3202 and manufacturers the tags 3502with the UAIDs 3112 assigned to the tags. Typically, requests for tagscome from animal producers. As illustrated, an animal producer atpremises 3402 requests a tag from a tag manufacturer or distributor3102. The tag 3502 is then forwarded to the requesting animal producerat the premises 3402. The UAID 3112 also is reported to a nationalanimal identification number repository 3302 for the animal producer.Typically, the UAIDs 3112 adhere to the ISO code structure standard forradio frequency identification (RFID). The tag 3502 is attached to ananimal and throughout the lifetime of the animal the tag 3502 is used totrace the animal's movements. In an exemplary UAID, according to theUSAIP, the ISO code contains 15 numbers, for example, “840123456789012.” This process creates a redundant database and tagtracking system adding cost and complexity to the system.

C.) Group/Lot Identification System

The USAIP also proposes a group/lot identification system, which assignsdifferent values to specific lots or groups. For example, a largefeedlot may have dozens of separate feeding areas. Each area or lot mayreceive its own unique number to further distinguish where an animal hasbeen. Another reason for using a group/lot identification system is thatanimals often are transferred in groups to a premises or from apremises. Each shipment of animals that comes in or moves out may beconsidered a group. The GID is typically based on a date. For example,the USAIP requires that a six-digit number be added to the PID toreflect the date a group of animals moved into the premises. This meansthat an animal shipped to a premises with the PID “A234L69” on Oct. 3,2003, has the combined group lot number “A234L69100303,” where the finalsix digits represent the date of arrival. The GID provides a way tofurther distinguish groups of animals that have not been commingled. Ifa GID is used, the USAIP does not always require that each animalreceive a UAID or a GID identifier on each animal. As discussed below,this may prevent reconciliation and confirmation from taking place toimprove the accuracy of the data.

D.) USAIP Infrastructure

Based on the above-identified systems, the USAIP proposes aninfrastructure that includes a national premises allocator, localgovernment premises systems, a national premises repository, individualanimal identification number databases, an animal identification numberallocator, a national animal identifier repository and “reader”technology in order to trace animal location histories. The readertechnology can include electronic RFID tags and RFID readers placed atvarious collection points. For example, the reader technology would bemost likely implemented at markets, expositions, slaughter facilities,feedlots, etc. By recording the PID and UAID of animals, an accuratehistory of their movement through the streams of commerce can berecorded and traced.

Notably, within the USAIP, the identification devices used to identifyanimals may vary across species groups. Under the USAIP, the governmentassigns UAIDs, so official devices may be required.

II.) USAIP Deficiencies

Major opposition from the livestock industry has delayed implementationof the USAIP. One of the main drawbacks to implementing the USAIP's NAISrelates to the ability to protect the confidentiality of collected data.For example, many animal producers are concerned that the Freedom ofInformation Act (FOIA) would require the government to release allcollected data. Releasing such information could cause irrevocable harmto the livestock industry just as it did when the first mad cow case wasdiscovered in the U.S. Moreover, releasing confidential businessinformation could also damage reputations and cause producers to losemoney.

Protecting records also is important to prevent unfair speculation andmanipulation of pricing at sourcing and markets. For example, if thegovernment obtains and releases industry proprietary information, buyersor sellers of animals can artificially inflate or deflate prices basedon the released data. Ultimately, collected data should be safeguarded.Hence, there is a need for a NAIS that ensures the confidentiality ofthat data.

The NAIS also has few, if any, aspects to verify the accuracy of data.Inaccuracies can be costly. For example, inaccurate tracking may resultin treating, such as by quarantine, animals that were healthy and didnot require segregation. This would cause a producer to lose money sincequarantine interferes with the movement and management of animals innormal commerce. Moreover, because of an inappropriate quarantine, ananimal producer and its herds generally may be perceived as being “bad,”which hurts the reputation of the producer and the value of its otherherds. Furthermore, animal producers and marketers are concerned thatthey may incur consumer liability (or at least legal costs) due toinaccurate tracking results.

The USAIP's NAIS is difficult and costly to implement. The USAIP createsa separate NAIS dedicated exclusively to tracking animals. This meansthat animal producers that already use commercial systems to track theiranimals would have to finance their current tracking systems as well asthe NAIS tracking system. Hence, the cost may become prohibitive,especially for small herd owners. Moreover, the USAIP experts failed torecognize the potential to utilize commercial tracking and managementinformation systems that actually would add enough value to the processto cover the cost of complying with the official governmentrequirements. Furthermore, the USAIP failed to recognize the inherentresistance to additional government mandated identification, reportingand costs to the industry when more than 99 percent of animals arehealthy, disease free, non-quarantined animals. These additional costswould be incurred in order to identify the less than 1 percent ofanimals requiring FAD management.

The proposed NAIS regulates animal movement in commerce by requiringmovement records. Moreover, the NAIS provides no method for a real timeconfirmation of the official records because it does not have access toconfidential data by design. Real time confidential confirmation couldbe an important feature for buyers and sellers of animals. Again by wayof example, a buyer may like to know, virtually immediately uponrequest, whether an animal has an appropriate movement record and,further, that such record can be accessed as desired. If such a recordcannot be accessed by a buyer wanting to purchase an animal, then thebuyer takes a risk that he will not be able to resell the animal. Thus,such information should be available to the buyer. The proposed NAISdoes not allow or permit for real time confidential confirmation andreconciliation of such events, whereas some of the embodiments disclosedherein do allow for real time confidential confirmation andreconciliation.

The USAIP's NAIS also relies solely on RFID identifiers to identify ananimal. A producer may lose an assigned RFID, or the RFID may fail tooperate correctly. If this occurs, the animal's identification cannot beproperly recorded, or if initially recorded correctly, cannot beverified upon a move-in or move-out event. RFIDs also would have to berequested by a producer according to an allocation by a governmentagency, associated with an individual animal, and then such informationreported to the agency. This scenario requires time and compliance withthe requirements by each producer as well as an additional inventory tokeep. Embodiments of the disclosed method and system allow for these orother animal identifiers to be used and easily and accurately replaced,which simplifies appropriate identification of problematic animals andcompliance by participants. Also, these embodiments can eliminate therisk of the tag allocation database confidentiality being compromised.

III.) Alternative to the USAIP

The components and systems of the disclosed animal identificationframework (AIF) accomplish what the USAIP proposes, while overcoming oneor more of its limitations. Some embodiments of the disclosed AIFincorporate computerized data management system tools and techniques totimely process information regarding the movement of animals from onelocation to another. These and other embodiments have the potential tohelp maintain the normal speed of commerce in buy/sell transactions,help provide records that make animals more valuable to buyers andsellers, improve the accuracy of animal movement and animal salestransactions, protect the animal owners from liability due toinaccuracies, protect the confidentiality of producer data, and lowerthe cost of tracking animals.

In commercial and official data settings, the information collectedthrough the disclosed AIF can be beneficial in a variety of ways. Forexample, in some embodiments, when an animal change of possessionoccurs, the new owners or custodians are easily provided with thehistorical animal records and current records necessary to move theanimal. Suppose, for example, a purchaser buys an animal without firstobtaining a trace history of the animal. Owning animals purchasedwithout records violates regulatory rules and purchasing animals withouthistorical records incurs a risk of being unable to resell the animals.Some embodiments of the disclosed AIF avoid these problems.

Additionally, the disclosed AIF may protect purchasers against liabilityin case of a disease outbreak. Moreover, because information iscollected in an organized and strong framework, it is possible to sharecommercial data among the diverse and segmented livestock industries,thereby adding value to the overall system, and helping offset the costsassociated with the implementation of the AIF. There are many otherprivate benefits and uses for the AIF, some of which will be describedin the remainder of this disclosure.

In a public sense, the disclosed AIF is beneficial because it allowshealth officials to identify and quarantine animals that have commingledwith diseased animals. Thus, it reduces the chance that a consumer willpurchase infected meats or other tainted animal products. For example,if a cow is diagnosed with mad cow disease, to protect consumers frompurchasing tainted meat, health officials or industry members, using theembodiments of the disclosed system and methods of the AIF, may traceand ascertain where the cow has been throughout its life. Based on thatinformation, other animals that have commingled with the diseased cowcan be examined or quarantined for the same disease.

To trace animals within the AIF, animal information can be recorded asthe animals pass through data collection points. At minimum, therecorded information typically includes location history information(e.g., a PID) and an animal identifier. However, in many situations,animal information includes other information, including commercial andconfidential information. For example, it may include the height,weight, size, age, sex, species, color, type of feed, drug treatmenthistory, actual animal location, such as by GPS, name of owner, andother relevant animal information. Conducting a computerized trace of ananimal typically involves ascertaining the animal identifier andsearching the recorded animal information to find previous locationsthat the identified animal occupied.

Within the disclosed AIF are various tools and techniques for collectinganimal information. The MicroBeef patent documents, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, describe various tools andtechniques for collecting and tracking animal histories. For example,some of the tools and techniques described in the '647 patent, such asthe electronic ID tag encoded with an animal identifier, may be used touniquely and universally identify an animal. Such identifiers and toolsin the MicroBeef patent documents may be used to collect and storeanimal information. For example, as an animal passes through datacollection points, such as those described in the MicroBeef patentdocuments, animal information can be collected. Typically, the datacollection points use sensors, scanners, or other reader technology torecord animal information as the animal passes through a gate or chute.Additional information may be collected when an animal is examined,weighed, measured, or otherwise analyzed. With the collectedinformation, authorized health officials and others may trace ananimal's location history.

In some implementations, the AIF includes an integrated database systemthat shares official data among industry members and authorized healthofficials. The database system may be located, for example, at a singlelocation, at multiple locations with identical, redundant information,or at multiple, networked locations sharing different information. Thedatabase system also may be in different countries to integrateinformation collected within multiple countries. In some embodiments,filtering tools and techniques are used to screen non-official data fromany shared-access database. The shared information typically includesenough data for the USDA and health officials to accomplish their traceobjectives, yet still protects animal producers' interests.

For example, the AIF can include a database specifically containing allreported animal records. This database can be administered and regulatedby a data trustee, a data service provider or some other entity. Theadministrator can screen sensitive information from the government andother third-parties by filtering such information. The data trustee thenonly forwards to an official database the official data required toidentify an animal and perform an animal trace. When a diseased animalis discovered, the USDA may enter an animal ID or premises ID to requesta trace history for the animal from the official database. Such a tracehistory might include an indication that the animal occupied certainlocations without providing specific location identifiers. Similarly, atrace report on a premises might include an indication that certainanimals occupied the premises without providing specific animalidentifiers. If required for a health-related trace, specific premisesand animal identifiers can be provided to the government upon request.By implementing a data trustee function in the AIF and/or initially onlyallowing government access to a minimum amount of data, animal producersmaintain control of most confidential information, and avoid many of theproblems associated with inaccurate or leaked information. In someembodiments a data trustee is not utilized and the data trustee functionis performed by the official database operator or another party.

The tools and techniques associated with the disclosed AIF use or adoptproven existing technologies wherever possible. For example, someimplementations utilize state-of-the-art national and internationalanimal identification standards with the best available practicaltechnologies to create a plan that is dynamic and flexible. The AIF alsocan incorporate new and proven technologies as they become available.The techniques and tools described herein can be implemented in variousways, and may be used in combination or separately.

IV.) Animal Identification Framework Overview

The disclosed animal identification framework (AIF) can include anextensible framework designed to facilitate the collection and trace ofanimal data, including animal location histories. Within this framework,both hardware and software components can be included to, for example,identify animals, transmit data about the animals, collect thetransmitted data, filter out confidential information from the collecteddata, and release the confidential data when necessary. FIG. 4 shows anexemplary AIF 4002 in which various techniques described herein may beimplemented. Basically, the AIF 4002 has tools that collect and store(or work with hardware and software that collect and store) animal data,including animal identification data and animal location history data.The AIF 4002 filters non-official data and releases the official dataupon proper request.

AIF 4002 is a cross-system framework that can be used with multipledatabase systems, hardware devices, and applications in manyconfigurations. It provides a strong foundation upon which animal tracetools and techniques can be implemented. The AIF 4002 may use tools andtechniques described in the MicroBeef patent documents, but this is nota requirement.

FIG. 4 shows various components of the AIF 4002. Among the illustratedcomponents are a data service provider 4202 for receiving and storingmixed data 4112 from an animal producer 4102, a data trustee 4302 forscreening non-official parts of the mixed data 4212 from the dataservice provider 4202, and an official database 4402 for storingofficial data 4312 forwarded by the data trustee 4302. Within theoverall AIF 4002, there may be one or multiple data service providers4202, data trustees 4302 and official databases 4402. The overall AIF4002 is capable of collecting data from animal producers 4102, dataservice providers 4202, data trustees 4302 and others, and providing atrace report 4412 to the government 4502 and for authorized commercialuses.

The data service provider 4202 primarily is responsible for collectingthe mixed data 4112. The data trustee 4302 primarily is responsible forscreening the mixed data 4112 into official data and non-official data.The animal producer 4102, data service provider 4202 and data trusteemay be the same entity or separate entities. For example, an animalproducer 4102 may act as a data service provider 4202 and/or a datatrustee 4302. Alternatively, the animal producer 4102 may be a separateentity, but the data service provider 4202 and the data trustee 4302 arethe same entity.

A variety of tools and techniques may be used for collecting andtransmitting animal information for use in embodiments of the disclosedAIF. These tools and techniques can be hardware-based, software-based ora combination thereof. For example, an electronic identification device(EID) may be attached to an animal. As the animal passes through an AIFdata collection point, pre-encoded animal information may be collectedfrom the EID. The data service provider 4202 may be used to receive andstore this data.

Data service providers 4202 can include commercial data systemorganizations that have the necessary personnel, computer managementexpertise, and data gathering capabilities to detect, receive, store,and report animal information. Alternatively, or in conjunction with acommercial data system, a data service provider 4202 can include,without limitation, animal producers, marketers, and purchasers that ownand operate the necessary reader and data storage technology to receive,store, and report animal information. Within the context of thedisclosed AIF 4002, there may be a multitude, e.g., hundreds of dataservice providers 4202 to collect animal information. These data serviceproviders may be ratified by industry members.

The mixed data 4112 received by the data service providers 4202typically includes a mix of official and non-official data. Officialdata includes, for example, the data necessary for the government 4502to trace an animal. Non-official data generally is all data other thanofficial data. Non-official data can include, for example, commercialdata, such as animal age, weight, sex, etc. Both official data andnon-official data may be confidential. In some embodiments, the dataservice provider 4202 forwards only official data to the data trustee4302. Alternatively, the data service provider 4202 may forward bothofficial and non-official data to data trustee 4302. If there is no datatrustee 4302, the data service provider 4202 may screen the mixed data4112 and forward official data to the official database 4402 or directlyto the government 4502.

Within the AIF 4002, the data trustee 4302, if present, can act as abuffer between commercial animal identification systems and anygovernment system. The functions of a data trustee 4302 can be toreceive forwarded data 4212 from data service providers 4202 or animalproducers 4102, to screen and filter the forwarded data 4212, tomaintain the official database 4402, which may be a multiple-databasesystem, and to generate reports.

As a component within the AIF 4002, a data trustee 4302 can includethose individuals, groups, organizations, and tools designated byindustry members, perhaps approved by the government, to screen theforwarded data 4212 before it is sent to the official database 4402,which is accessible by the government 4502. The actual number of datatrustees 4302 may vary based on cost to implement, size and growth ofanimal industries, improving network and database technologies, andother such factors. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the dataservice provider 4202 may act as its own data trustee 4202.

As shown in FIG. 4, after receiving data 4212, the data trustee 4302 mayscreen and filter the data to remove non-official data. The data trustee4302 then forwards official data 4312 to the official database 4402.Typically, the official data 4312 includes the necessary information forthe government 4502 to start tracing an animal's location history. Forexample, the data trustee 4302 may filter all the data it receivesexcept for an animal identifier and a data record address to a record inthe official database 4402. Thus, knowing the animal identifier may besufficient to retrieve the other animal information from the officialdatabase 4402. In other implementations, the data trustee 4302 mayfilter more or less data. For example, if the government 4502 requests atrace report 4412 based on a premises rather than a specific animal, thedata trustee 4302 may forward a premises identifier and a data recordaddress from the official database 4402 for each animal associated withthe premises identifier. The amount and type of data forwarded to theofficial database 4402 may change as government and industry needschange.

The official database 4402 can serve as a repository of official data4412 from the data trustee 4302. In the disclosed AIF, a data trustee4302 can be the administrator and arbiter of all the official data 4312that is stored in the official database 4402. In some implementations,the official database 4402 is the only database to which the government4502 has access. In other implementations, the data trustee 4302 is theonly entity to have access to the official database 4402. More than oneofficial database 4402 may be maintained in order to provide more rapidaccess to official data 4312 and to provide redundancy and fail-safes incase a connection or system goes down. Data in multiple databases can besynchronized periodically to ensure consistency throughout thedatabases.

In some implementations, the data trustee 4302 maintains the officialdatabase 4402 and the government 4502 maintain a separate database. Inaddition, a separate database may be maintained under the control of thedata trustees 4302 and used to contain non-official data. This allowsindustry members to keep some data confidential until requested by thegovernment 4502. For example, if a rancher wants to keep his ranchpremises identifier confidential, some embodiments of the disclosed AIF4002 would make it possible to do so. The government 4502 does notactually need access to the premises identifier until an animal healthor safety issue arises. Thus, the data trustee 4302 can filter thepremises identifier from being forwarded to a database accessible to thegovernment 4502, e.g., the official database 4402. When the need arises,the government 4502 may submit a request to the data trustee 4302 forpremises identifiers. After a proper request, the data trustee 4302 maysend the requested information to the government 4502. The number offiltered fields in the official database 4402 may vary depending onimplementation, government regulations, logistical concerns, ease ofimplementation, and other such factors.

Using data requested from the official database 4402, the government4502 typically has access to sufficient data to trace an animal withinthe currently mandated 48-hour time period. In other implementations,tracing an animal may take more or less time to complete, and muchfaster trace results likely can be achieved with the present method andsystem, such as within minutes.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the AIF 4002 provides a varietyof trace reports 4122, 4222, 4322, 4422 to confirm events as they occur.Trace reports can take several forms. For example, some trace reportsinclude all location data for an animal. Confirmation reports, which area type of trace report, typically include enough data to confirm someevent, such as a move-in or move-out event, and may protect theconfidentiality of premises identifiers while providing a functionimportant to animal commerce. Another type of trace report, thereconciliation report, can be generated to reconcile a discrepancy inreported data. Reconciliation reports typically are generated uponrequest when the data, such as the data in a confirmation reportindicates a discrepancy. For example, when an animal is shipped to afeedlot, a confirmation report 4122 can be sent to the animal producer4102 confirming animal arrival. Similarly, when data 4212 is forwardedto the data trustee 4302, a confirmation report 4222 can be sentconfirming receipt of the data. After the data 4212 has been filteredand official data 4312 forwarded to the official database 4402, anotherconfirmation report 4322 can be generated and sent to the data serviceprovider 4202 and/or the data trustee 4302 confirming receipt of theinformation. If a discrepancy is found, such as between the officialdata 4312 and data stored in national identifier repositories, areconciliation report can be generated. The format and delivery methodsof these reports may vary. For example, some reports can be sent viatext email. Other reports can be accessed over a webpage. In addition,some reports can be sent as text files, PDFs, or other standardizedformat. Alternatively, the reports can be sent as text messages, papercopies, or some other readable format.

In some other implementations, animal producers 4102 are allowed torequest a reconciliation report from the data trustee 4302 in order toview their current inventory as recorded in the official database 4402.This function allows producers 4102, data service providers 4202, anddata trustees 4302 to correct any potential database errors byreconciling information. For example, upon request, a rancher may file amove-out report with a data service provider 4202 and receive a move-inreport from the data service provider 4202. The rancher may check thereports against each other. If there are any errors, the rancher maysubmit a request to correct the information. By generating confirmationreports as data passes from one component of the AIF 4002 to another,errors and inconsistencies in the data can be identified throughout theprocess, avoiding major discrepancies or errors in the future.Confirmation reports also provide an automated chain of custody toensure the database information is synchronized with actual animalmovements. Without a chain of custody and reconciliation process thesystem may become less reliable and animal producers 4102 may experiencegreater liability.

In some embodiments of the AIF, non-government entities that requesttrace reports are screened to ensure that they are authorized to receivethe data. For example, an animal producer 4102 may request areconciliation report for his own animals, but may not request areconciliation report for the animals of another producer. The AIF caninclude password-protected access and other security features to verifythe identity of requestors.

In some embodiments, the data trustee 4302 and the official database4402 allow animal producers 4102 or other users to perform the essentialfunctions of reading, updating, and deleting records. To do so, aninterface, such as a web-based interface, a database interface, orcustomized software application, can be provided so animal producers4102 or others may securely connect to the database to read and/orupdate records. In some implementations, error correction is donedirectly by the animal producers 4102, e.g. they log onto a securesystem and manually correct errors. Preferably, an animal producer 4102submits a request to correct erroneous data to the data trustee 4302.The data trustee 4302 verifies the submitted data and makes appropriateupdates. Other techniques for updating and correcting information alsomay be available.

As shown in FIG. 4, within the AIF 4002, the government 4502 can traceanimal location histories. For example, the government 4502 may requestdata from the official database 4402 and then may submit an additionalrequest for a complete trace of an animal to the data trustee 4302. Uponreceipt of a request, the data trustee 4302 generates a trace report4412 from the official database 4402. The trace report 4412 can includea list of every premises the animal has occupied during its traceablelifetime. The trace report 4412 also can include other information, suchas the date, time, and group number associated with an animal when itlived at a premises.

Using the information from the trace report 4412, the government 4502may contact the listed premises for more information or request furtherinformation from the data trustee 4302. In some implementations, theinitial trace report 4412 includes identifiers for all animals that haveever commingled with the traced animal.

Notably, when the government 4502 makes a direct request to the datatrustee 4302 for information, all official data is granted within theguidelines set forth by government and industry regulatory bodies. Otherinformation is released at the discretion of the data trustee 4302.

The disclosed AIF 4002 includes elements of software and/or hardware.The relationship shown between the components in FIG. 4 is one exampleof the main flow of information; other relationships are not shown forthe sake of simplicity. Depending on the implementation, components canbe added, omitted, split into multiple components, combined with othercomponents, and/or replaced with like components or systems.Alternatively, a framework with different components and/or otherconfigurations can be used to perform one or more of the AIF processesdescribed herein.

Various implementations of the components in the disclosed AIF aredescribed in greater detail in the following subsections.

A.) Data Service Provider

Data service providers typically provide the necessary data collectiontools, reporting systems and services, customer support and education toenable the transfer of data from animal producers to data trustees. FIG.5 illustrates a simple block diagram of a data service provider 5002.The data service provider 5002 collects and stores animal information ina single or multiple data service provider databases 5502, generatesreports 5552 confirming receipt of the information, and then forwardsofficial data 5602 to a data trustee. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the dataservice provider 5002 includes elements of software and/or hardware. Therelationships shown between the components in FIG. 5 indicate the mainflow of information; other relationships are not shown for the sake ofsimplicity. Depending on implementation, components can be added,omitted, split into multiple components, combined with other components,and/or replaced with like components or systems. Alternatively, a dataservice provider with different components and/or other configurationsperform one or more of the techniques described herein.

1.) Animal Information Sources

The data service provider 5002 can receive data from multiple sources.The data service provider 5002 also may receive a variety of differenttypes of data. As shown in FIG. 5, these types of data may includeanimal identification data 5102, commercial data 5202 and premisesidentification data 5302.

a.) Animal Identification Data The animal identification data 5152 isdata that is unique to an individual animal. All of the data collectedfor an animal, including premises identifiers and commercial data can belinked to the animal's identification data 5152. Thus, the animalidentification data 5152 can serve as the data that distinguishes oneanimal's record from another animal's record.

As discussed above in connection with FIG. 3, the animal identificationdata 5152 can include an assigned UAID. Under the USAIP, the only formof identification for an animal is its UAID. This approach, however, canbe problematic if, for example, an animal loses its tag. Under theUSAIP, a new tag would have to be assigned along with a new UAID.Assignment of a new UAID for the same animal is likely to cause errorsin the database and may compromise the confidentiality of animal data.In some embodiments of the disclosed AIF, the animal identification data5152 includes more than one identifier. For example, the animalidentification data 5152 can include a database identifier to which theother animal identification data 5152 is correlated. Thus, if ananimal's tag is lost, the animal can be assigned a new tag associatedwith a new number correlated in the database to the same databaseidentifier. This prevents errors in the data. Additional animalidentification data 5152 can include, for example, data from RFIDdevices, retinal scan data, DNA profiles, data from visual devices, datafrom bar code devices, data from brands, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the database identifier is the UAID. For example,an animal may receive a tag with a UAID assigned by a government animalidentification allocator. When the tag is associated with an animal, theUAID is entered into the database and becomes the permanent databaseidentifier for the animal. If the animal subsequently loses its tag, anew tag can be associated with the animal and the number on the new tagcan be linked to the animal's database identifier (which is the UAIDfrom the first tag assigned to the animal). Thus, unlike under theUSAIP, the UAID can remain a permanent identifier for a particularanimal even if the animal loses its tag.

UAIDs are proposed under the USAIP as official 15-digit-ISOidentification numbers allocated by the USDA. As discussed above, thesenumbers may be encoded on an RF tag or other device. However, in somecases, at the producer's option, the official numbers are not requiredto be associated with the animals and alternate physical identifiers areused. For example, in a small herd of 20 animals, the animal producermay keep a list of his animals' UAIDs. When an animal identified by anidentification device is moved or sold, animal information, includingtracking information, may be scanned from the producer's records (e.g.,scanning bar codes from paper), entered manually, or input in some otherway.

The database identifier also can be a value other than the UAID. If theofficial database is accessible to the government, having a databaseidentifier other than the UAID, which typically is assigned by thegovernment, helps to protect the confidentiality of the data. Forexample, the accessible data may show that certain animal identifiersare associated with a premises identifier without actually identifyingthe animals.

Some assigned animal identifiers, such as UAIDs, can be placed in ananimal identifier repository. This repository may serve to ensure theuniqueness and universality of the animal identifiers and to ensure thatanimal data is available for access when needed. In someimplementations, an animal identifier allocator assigns animalidentifiers to tag manufacturers. Under the NAIS proposed in the USAIP,as new animals are born, a rancher may request tags for each newbornanimal. Each tag has an encoded animal identifier that originated withthe animal identifier allocator. Under the USAIP, the animal identifiersare UAIDs that also serve as database identifiers. In some embodimentsof the disclosed AIF, multiple identifiers can be used. For example, themultiple animal identifiers may be associated with a single databaseidentifier so that if a tag is lost, the number identifying the animalin the database does not need to be changed. In some embodiments,identifiers are encoded onto tags by tag manufacturers without givingthe government access to the identifiers. This further protects theconfidentiality of the data.

Some forms of animal identification data 5152 are provided to the dataservice provider 5002 via a physical device, such as a tag. The devicecan include elements of software and/or hardware. Variousimplementations of identification devices are discussed in the MicroBeefpatent documents, which are incorporated by reference. For example, inthe '647 patent, an identification tag that uses radio frequencytechnology (RFID) to transmit signals to an RF reader is disclosed. TheRF reader collects and stores the data sent by the tag. In otherimplementations, the identification device may use other wireless and/ormicrowave technologies, such as Wi-Fi, WiMax, etc., to transmit animalinformation to the data service provider 5002. Moreover, in yet otherimplementations, the identification device is a transponder, a chipcard,a biometric device, a magnetic device, a scan code, a bar code, a visualcue such as a cattle brand, or any other state-of-the-art and/or costeffective technology. Alternatively, the device is implemented as acombination of these technologies.

Under the USAIP, a specific type and design of radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tags are used as the official identificationdevice to identify animals. However, any RFID tags following ISOstandards can create numbers that universally identify animals withoutneeding any additional setup. The USAIP numbering system providesproducers the flexibility to utilize readily available ISO compliantidentification devices from a source of their choice. For example, thereare nonofficial RFID ISO compliant tags that may be used one time ormultiple times to reduce the cost. Recycling the RFID tags isparticularly useful if the tags include GPS functionality, which makesthem more expensive to replace. Moreover, by using non-official, ISOcompliant tags the industry is not burdened with sourcing restrictionsand managing official tags inventory for the USDA. Furthermore,different species of animals may use different types of tags.

In some implementations, the identification devices are programmable,e.g., animal producers or others can encode information onto thedevices. At the very least, the devices include an animal identifier touniquely identify an animal. However, other information, including butnot limited to, age, sex, weight, breed and/or species, owner, drughistory, feed history, and combinations thereof also may be encoded intothe device.

Animals other than food animals also can be tracked by the system, asthey also may come into sufficiently close contact with a food animal totransmit disease. For example, pets and wild animals that are tracked bypet owners or wildlife officials also can be tracked using disclosedembodiments of the method and system.

As an animal identification system, either a nationwide (NAIS) orworldwide system, is implemented, there may be difficulties inassimilating and converting current tracking systems. To reduce costs,to allow producers and data service providers to maintain their currentsystems while the transition occurs, and to allow time to installapproved tags on animals, animal information may be linked to othervalues until a permanent system is in place. For example, the name of acompany and its proprietary animal identifier may uniquely identify ananimal. Thus, during the transition phase, an additional field in thevarious databases lists that temporary identifier value, until a newconforming identifier is in place. Animal information is updated andlinked to the new animal identifier as it becomes available.

In some implementations, the animal identifier is associated with meatshipments during processing and even after the animal has beenslaughtered. For example, packaging containing processed food productscan be tracked, and the food products correlated with the animal historyfrom which such products were produced.

b.) Commercial Data Sources

Referring again to FIG. 5, the data service provider 5002 also mayreceive and store commercial data 5202 from commercial data sources.Commercial data 5202 can include commercially valuable data, e.g., thetype of data used by animal producers in the course of business.Commercially valuable information can include, but may not be limitedto, an animal's owner, breed, size, weight, age, sex, feed type,vaccination or other treatment reports, pricing terms, veterinarianreports, and any other data that is commercially useful. The amount andtype of commercial data 5202 collected by the commercial data sourcesmay vary based on individual producer needs. Commercial data 5202 sentby commercial data sources can be collected by the data reader 5402. Insome embodiments, all inputs into animals are tracked. For example, theidentifications and locations of feed can be tracked and associated withthe animals that consume the feed. Computerized systems formanufacturing and/or administering feed may facilitate this form oftracking.

The age of an animal can be determined, for example, by dentition. Ananimal's age can be evaluated based on its teeth by any known method,such as visual inspection, video imaging of the mouth with manual orautomated analysis of the images and any combination thereof. Age alsocan be determined by ultrasound examination of animal bones or by DNAprofile.

In some implementations, commercial data sources 5202 are the tools andtechniques described in the MicroBeef patent documents, which areincorporated herein by reference. For example, one aspect of the '647patent tracks the historical and projected weights of animals usingexternal measurement tools at feedyards. That information may bevaluable for commercial purposes. Using such tools and techniquesdescribed in the '647 patent, information can be collected andtransferred to the data service provider 5002. The actual transfer caninvolve transmitting information from the animal producer's computersystems to the data service provider 5002. The data reader 5402 receivesthe commercial data about an animal and adds it to the animal's completedata record 5452.

c.) Premises Identification Data

A premises identifier 5302 identifies a premises, which is anidentifiable physical location where an animal might be located. In FIG.4, premises typically include animal producers 4102, processors andmarkets. Referring again to FIG. 5, the premises identifier 5302 can besubmitted by the participant and automatically added to animal datarecords by the data trustee whenever an animal is moved from onepremises to another. The data trustee may first validate the premisesidentifier for the location. For example, if a cattle rancher auctionsan animal locally, when the animal moves from the ranch to the auctionhouse the animal's data records can be updated to reflect this move by,for example, submitting a move report to a data service provider 5002.When the animal arrives at the auction house, a new data entry,including the auction house's premises identifier, is added to theanimal's records showing the animal's arrival. This new data entry issubmitted to the data service provider 5002. An animal's locationhistory can be tracked using the animal identifier 5152 to obtain thepremises identifiers 5302 for locations occupied by the animal. In someimplementations, the premises identifier 5302 is the PID described abovein connection with the USAIP. Alternatively, the premises identifier5302 is a different value.

In some disclosed embodiments, animal movements are tracked duringtransport from one premises to another. For example, animals commingledon a single transport, such as a truck or train, might be identified.GPS may be used for tracking vehicles transporting animals as anadditional method for tracking movement and location of the animals. Theuse of GPS for tracking vehicles transporting animals can beaccomplished with systems similar or identical to existing systems fortracking trucks, ambulances and other vehicles. Typically, a GPSreceiver and associated data storage device are used to record thevehicle's coordinate location. The location data can be stored forfuture transmission or may be transmitted to a data storage location inreal time using RF communications or other methods. GPS mappingproducts, which are readily available commercially, can be used totransform GPS coordinate location data into illustrative mapping. Theloading and unloading locations of transport vehicles are readilydetermined by recording GPS coordinate data as well. Furthermore, theidentification of animals by RFID or other methods at loading andunloading locations or on the vehicles can be accomplished withconventional RFID readers or other devices. Such data can be recordedfor integration with the GPS coordinate data in a computer system.

As suggested by the USAIP, in some implementations a national orworldwide premises allocator assigns PIDs upon request. Referring backto FIG. 2, however, there are other implementations for allocatingpremises identifiers not described by the USAIP. For example, an animalproducer may fill out an electronic request form and submit it to thepremises allocator 2302 via the Internet. In response, the premisesallocator 2302 would assign and send a PID 2112 to the requesting animalproducer. Notably, in this implementation, the premises allocator 2302assigns the PID 2112 without prior screening by state officials. Inother implementations, the premises allocator 2302 files a request withthe state for verification information before assigning the PID 2112.Alternatively, the premises allocator 2302 verifies some minimal piecesof data, such as name, address, and phone number, before allocating thePID.

Another implementation for assigning premises identifiers involves thedata trustee. The data trustee can be given a range of premisesidentifiers that are allocated when an animal producer or premisesreports animal information for the first time. For example, when anon-registered premises sends animal information to a data serviceprovider, since there is no valid premises identifier, the informationcan be immediately forwarded to a data trustee. The data trustee thenobtains and allocates a premises identifier for the non-registeredpremises and notifies the premises of the new value. Moreover, a copy ofthe premises identifier with accompanying premises identificationinformation can be deposited in a national premises identificationrepository. As before, the data trustee may ask for verificationinformation from the requesting premises before allocating a premisesidentifier.

In some cases, the premises allocator or data trustee assigns atemporary identifier to a premises until the premises can be certifiedby either the allocator, government agency, or the data trustee. Underthese circumstances, the temporary identifier may be only allocated fora short period of time, after which the premises needs to beauthenticated by an appropriate entity.

If a temporary identifier is used, after a premises is authenticated thetemporary identifier can be made permanent. Alternatively, a newpermanent identifier can be assigned and all records with the temporaryidentifier can be updated with or linked to the new identifier. Again inthe alternative, records received from a premises with a temporaryidentifier can be maintained in a separate database until the premiseshas been authenticated. At that point, all of its records can be movedto a valid premises database. Temporary identifiers may be distinguishedfrom permanent ones based on their format, based in a table listingtemporary identifiers, or in some other way.

The actual format of the premises identifier may vary. According to theUSAIP, a PID is a 7 character alphanumeric value. In otherimplementations, the premises identifier may have more or fewercharacters. Moreover, a premises identifier may be randomly generatedaccording to a defined format, it may be assigned from a master list ordatabase of values, it may be derived from animal producer information(e.g., a hash of the premises' name or other proprietary information),it may incorporate letters or numbers from a premises company name orbrand, or it may be derived in some other way.

In some implementations, a value such as a NULL, zero, or other randomnon-conforming value may be inserted into a data record until a properpremises identifier is received.

Animal producers and premises can be notified of their new premisesidentifier via a receipt web page, an email, mail, telephone call, orsome other mechanism. In every case, the newly-generated PID is sent toa national or worldwide premises repository, such as the repository 2402described in connection with FIG. 2.

Referring again to FIG. 5, once a premises identifier 5302 has beenassigned and sent to the proper premises, the premises should includethe premises identifier 5302 anytime it sends data to a data serviceprovider 5002 or to a data trustee.

It is worth noting that, although the premises allocator is describedherein as a single entity, implementations may include more than oneallocator, each designated by government and industry members.

In some embodiments, an animal's identification device or a separatedevice associated with an animal can be used to provide specificlocation information. Specific location information is more descriptiveof an animal's location than general location information, such aspremises identifiers 5302. For example, a specific location device caninclude circuitry to receive an RF signal from three or more referencepoints (e.g., three or more GPS satellites). The received signals thencan be used to calculate a location using conventional triangulation ortrilateration techniques. The locations occupied by an animal at varioustimes (e.g., at certain time intervals) can be stored in the device anduploaded or otherwise entered into a computer system when the device isread. Alternatively, the location information can be transmitted to adatabase separate from the device, from which it can be sent to a dataservice provider 5002. As another option, the location information canbe read by an operator who travels to an animal location. The locationinformation gathered by the operator can be, for example, entered into ahandheld computer and then uploaded into the data service providerdatabase 5502.

Devices for receiving reference signals and calculating specificlocations can be powered, for example, by batteries and/or solar power.Examples of commercially available GPS devices that may be adapted foruse on animals include vehicle tracking devices, such as S-911 availablefrom Laipac Tech Inc. (Ontario, Canada) and pet tracking devices, suchas the GLOBAL PET FINDER available from GPS Tracks LLC (Jericho, N.Y.).

Generating data on the specific locations of animals at specific timeswithout the need to move the animals to a scanning location has manyadvantages. For example, this process makes it possible to track animalsbeing transported between premises with assigned PIDs. The process alsoallows the locations of animals at pasture to be tracked. Thespecificity provides for the highly accurate identification of animalsthat have and have not been in close contact with a diseased animal.When a diseased animal is discovered, the exact locations occupied bythe animal can be determined and compared to the locations occupied byother animals, such as other animals at the same premises. If there isno overlap in the location data, it can be assumed that the otheranimals were never in intimate contact with the diseased animal and thusare not likely to have acquired the disease. Thus, the process reducesthe wasteful treatment, quarantine and slaughter of animals that arecommingled with a diseased animal, but never have sufficient contactwith the diseased animal to acquire the disease.

d.) Group/Lot Identifiers

Related to premises identifiers are group identifiers (GIDs), whichdistinguish groups of animals from each other as they move through apremises as noted in connection with the USAIP. According to the USAIP,a GID is a six-digit identifier representing a premises arrival date andin some cases is combined with the premises identifier. Thus, unlike thepremises identifiers, GIDs are generated by the participant or dataservice provider, and they may not necessarily be unique. For example,all the cattle that arrive at a feedlot on a specific date may beassigned the same GID. Alternatively, a GID may represent otherinformation, for example, the building where an animal was housed. TheGID may be combined with the PID to form a new identifier, oralternatively it may be a separate value in the mixed data database. Analternate embodiment may include using the GID on each animal in a groupor lot.

2.) Data Reader

FIG. 5 shows a data reader 5402, which collects animal information forthe data service provider 5002. The data reader 5402 can includeelements of software and/or hardware. Various implementations of datareaders 5402 are discussed in the MicroBeef patent documents, which areincorporated by reference. For example, the '647 patent describescomputer systems that record, measure, sort, and track individualanimals. The data reader 5402 described herein may perform the sameand/or additional functions.

In some implementations, the data reader 5402 collects wireless andmicrowave technology transmissions (e.g., RFID transmissions) fromdevices directly attached to animals. Moreover, the data reader 5402 maycollect signals and data from transponder devices, chipcards, biometricdevices, magnetic devices, GPS devices, and other devices attached to orimplanted into an animal. Alternatively, the data reader 5402 receivesdata transmissions from computing devices, such as computers, PDAs,scanners, cell phones, flash memory cards, and other similar electronicdevices containing data, such as commercial data. In yet otherimplementations, the data reader 5402 uses video imaging and/orultrasound technology to gather data. In other implementations, light orlaser technology is used to scan bar codes or other visual cues (e.g., acattle brand or mark). In some embodiments, animal information is readmanually (e.g., visually) and input manually (e.g., through data entryor voice recognition means). Alternatively, other state-of-the-artand/or cost effective data reader technology is used. The data reader5402 also can be an optical character reader. Such a reader also mayserve as a barcode reader or reader of some other form of visual device.

Data readers 5402 can be installed at designated reader locations. Forexample, since participants include producers, grazers, auctioneers,feedlots, packers, and other animal marketers, data readers 5402 can beinstalled at their premises by themselves or with a data serviceprovider 5002. When an animal is sent to a participant that includes adata service provider 5002, the animal typically passes through anentrance gate or chute. An exemplary data reader 5402 is installed atthe entrance of the gate or chute. Alternatively, the data reader 5402is installed in animal barns, pens, stalls, or other similar locations.

As an animal passes through the data reader 5402, the data readercollects animal information. At minimum, this includes an animalidentifier 5152. Other commercial and official data also may becollected at this time. The other data also can be transmittedseparately, e.g., via a computer disk, a paper copy, an email, acomputer file, etc., and later correlated to the animal identifier 5152in the data service provider database 5502.

Data collection systems are not limited to any location and can usemultiple systems and multiple databases to collect, store, report outand report back data to submitters.

3.) Data Service Provider Database

After the data reader 5402 collects information from the animalinformation sources, the data can be added to the data service providerdatabase 5502 as a mixed data record 5452. A mixed data record 5452combines non-official data with official data, typically in a singleentry, in the data service provider database 5502. Other animalinformation, such as premises identifiers 5302, may be addedautomatically by the data service provider 5002. In someimplementations, the data service provider database 5502 is indexed bythe animal identifier 5152.

The data service provider database 5502 can be built from commerciallyavailable database services. For example, the data service providerdatabase 5502 can be an SQL database with various fields, such as breed,weight, date and time of arrival, animal identifier, premisesidentifier, etc., defined for the types of information received from thedata reader 5402. Alternatively, a different database builder is used,e.g., an XML database, an Access database, a web-enabled database, orany other well-known database management system (DBMS). In otherimplementations, a custom database is developed.

For ease of administration, the data service provider database 5502 maybe spread over multiple computer systems. For example, a feed lot mayserve as a data service provider 5002 that receives data for thousandsof animals every day. Due to the volume of the information beingcollected, multiple portions of the data service provider database 5502may be distributed across many different computer systems and perhapseven multiple computer networks in order to handle the information. Tomaintain consistency throughout the separate portions of the dataservice provider database 5502 and to keep the information current, thedatabase portions can be synchronized periodically.

Defined fields can be filled as animal information is collected into themixed data record 5452. Typically, not every field needs to be filled tocomplete the mixed data record 5452. A complete animal record mayinclude a subset of the information in the data service providerdatabase 5502, such as the animal identifier 5152, premises identifier5302, event type and date and time of arrival.

At least some of the data stored in the data service provider database5502 can be forwarded to the data trustee. Alternatively, the dataservice provider may act as its own data trustee. In such embodiments,the data service provider may screen the mixed data into official dataand non-official data and forward the official data to the officialdatabase or the government.

4.) Reports

The data service provider 5002 can provide various reports, such as thereports 5552 sent to producers and data trustees confirming that thedata has been received, recorded, meets NAIS standards, etc. Thesereports 5552 can provide information regarding the status of an animalevent and also can provide a chain of custody that shows where an animalhas been. Exemplary animal events include having an identificationdevice applied, moving from one location to another, branding,sightings, shipment to a slaughterhouse, processing into food products,shipping as food products, etc.

When a move-out transaction from one premises to another has beeninitiated, then a corresponding move-in (receipt) transaction typicallyneeds to issue to acknowledge that the animals, or food products madetherefrom, arrived at a valid premises within a specified time period.For example, if a rancher sends an animal to a commercial feedlot (inthis case serving as a data service provider 5002) before sending it tobe slaughtered, moving the animal from one location to another can berecorded by data readers 5402. A data reader 5402 at the ranch can beused to record when the animal leaves and, in addition to otherinformation, a data reader at the feedlot can be used to record when theanimal arrives. Upon arrival at the feedlot, a confirmation report canbe generated notifying the rancher that the animal arrived. This reporttypically includes the animal identifier 5152, premises identifier 5302,and the event being confirmed. Alternatively, it includes a completereport of all recorded animal information, or any combination ofsortable recorded information.

The reports 5552 also can be used to verify that data has beenaccurately recorded and to reconcile data with other databases. In theexample above, a rancher may determine from the confirmation report thatan animal's listed information is incorrect. To correct the error, therancher may contact the data service provider 5002 and provide it withthe correct data. In the above example, if the commercial feedlot, aspart of a normal verification process, checks with the repository ordata service provider 5002 to validate the rancher's premisesidentifier, it also may detect the error. If the error is detected, areconciliation report detailing the error can be generated and sent tothe commercial feedlot and to the rancher. Again the rancher correctsthe error, even if it means requesting a valid premises identifier 5302.

The number and type of reports 5552 generated by the data serviceprovider 5002 may vary, depending on, for example, government andindustry regulations, animal producer and data service provider 5002wants and needs, and other such factors. Exemplary reports include amove-out report, a ship and trace report, a move-in and reconcilereport, and a termination report.

FIGS. 6A-6D show sample reports generated by a data service provider5002. For example, FIG. 6A shows a sample move-out confirmation report.The report confirms that 38 animals were shipped from a premises withPID S200971 and all the animals arrived at the destination premises(premises F201565).

FIG. 6B shows a sample move-in report. This report notifies the animalproducer that seven of his animals are unaccounted for. The animalproducer can then follow-up with the data service provider 5002 toreconcile this discrepancy. For example, the animal producer may wish toorder a reconciliation report, which would have data from before themove-in event and from after the move-in event for comparison. Reasonsfor this type of error include the fact that the animals may never havearrived at the destination premises, the premises identifiers 5302 maybe unknown or unregistered, the animal identifiers 5152 may be invalid,or there may have been a hardware or software failure. Whatever thereason, the animal producer should know that he needs to check on hisanimals.

FIG. 6C illustrates a tag-applied confirmation report. FIG. 6Dillustrates a slaughtered or termination report for an animal. Notably,FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a technique for outputting confirmation reports.In other implementations, the report may be made via email, a webconfirmation page, printed report, electronic text, or some othertechnique.

Throughout its entire process, data service provider 5002 can use securenetwork, database, and computing technologies. At least some of the datacollected by the data service provider 5002 can be forwarded to a datatrustee.

B.) Data Trustee

Data trustees can be used to establish a private sector infrastructureto insure that confidential animal information is not released to thepublic sector. A number of data trustees, approved by the livestockindustry as well as the government, can serve as a buffer betweencommercial animal information systems and any government sponsoredsystems. They can be certified with standardized criteria and consent tobe audited by industry associations and other oversight groups. Oncecertified, data trustees can be used to contribute data to the officialdatabase and to provide government officials with animal trace reports.Data trustees also provide tools to receive, store and report data tothe USDA for various purposes, including disease surveillance and healthmanagement purposes. In some embodiments, the functions of the datatrustee are performed by the data service provider or the participant.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the data service provider 7002 includeselements of software and/or hardware. The relationships shown betweenthe components in FIG. 7 indicate the main flow of information; otherrelationships are not shown for the sake of simplicity. Depending onimplementation, components can be added, omitted, split into multiplecomponents, combined with other components, and/or replaced with likecomponents or systems. Alternatively, a data trustee 7202 with differentcomponents and/or other configurations can be used to perform one ormore of the techniques described herein.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a data trustee7202. A data trustee 7202 typically receives data from a data serviceprovider 7002. In some embodiments, this data is stored in a databaseseparate from the official database 7102. The data trustee typicallyfilters non-official data from the official data and forwards theofficial data to the official database 7102. This helps to ensure thatthe integrity, security, confidentiality, liability, normal commerce,performance and efficiency goals of the NAIS are met. Screened, officialdata can be forwarded to a government database 7402 upon request. Usingdata from the government database 7402, health officials may request atrace report 7302 on a given animal. The data trustee 7202 generates thetrace report 7302 upon request. Preferably, the trace report 7302 isgenerated within a specified, agreed-upon time period, such as within48-hours of request or less.

1.) Official Data

A data service provider 7002 typically sends mixed data to the datatrustee 7202. From this mixed data, a filter 7252 can be used toseparate official data from non-official data. Official data typicallyincludes the data necessary to trace an animal. For example, theofficial data may include an animal identifier, a premises identifier,group/lot identifiers, the date and time an animal was at a premises,etc. In some implementations, the data forwarded by the data serviceprovider 7002 includes only the official data. In such embodiments, thedata service provider may be acting as a data trustee and filteringnon-official data. The official data can be forwarded to a data trusteeor directly to the government. In some other embodiments, the dataforwarded by the data service provider includes all of the animalinformation collected by the data service provider. This approach mayhelp to centralize animal data records and provide wider data access toindustry members.

The government may impose requirements on what constitutes officialdata. For example, currently the government requires access upon requestto information describing specific animal events such as when a tag isallocated, when a tag is applied, when an animal is moved into apremises, moved out of a premises, when a tag is lost, when a tag isreplaced, when an animal is imported or exported, sightings of animals,when an animal is slaughtered or dies, when a tag is retired, when ananimal is missing, veterinarian inspections, drug information, and othersuch data. Some of this data is confidential, some of it is not. Anydata required by the government can be included in the official dataforward to the official database. The confidentiality of this data canbe protected until a request is issued by the government. For example,the government may not be informed of the actual UAIDs and/or PIDscorresponding to the identifiers in the official database until suchinformation is requested.

Typically, government and health officials are only granted access tothe data after making a formal request to the official database 7102.Alternatively, access is granted only at the discretion of the datatrustee 7202 according to specific business and industry guidelines.This protects confidential information from being released to the publicat large.

2.) Official Database

After the data trustee 7202 receives data from a data service provider7002, the official data can be added to the official database 7102 bythe data trustee. Preferably, the official database 7102 operates and issupported 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and 365 days per year.

The official database 7102 can be built from commercially availabledatabase services and can include the underlying data, hardware, andsoftware applications required to manage, view, access, add to, deletefrom, modify, etc., the database. An exemplary official database 7102 isan SQL database with application software built to access the underlyingdata. Within the official database 7102 are various tables and fields,such as animal identifier, premises identifier, move-in date, move-outdate, etc., defined to receive and store information from a data serviceprovider 7002. Alternatively, a different database builder is used,e.g., an XML database, an Access database, a web-enabled database, orany other well-known database management system (DBMS). In otherimplementations, a custom database built from the ground up is used.

For ease of administration, the official database 7102 may be spreadover multiple computer systems. A data trustee 7202 may receive data forthousands of animals every day. Due to the volume of the informationbeing collected, multiple instances of the official database 7102 may bedistributed across many different computer systems, perhaps at differentlocations, and perhaps even multiple computer networks, in order tohandle the load. To maintain consistency throughout the differentportions of the official database 7102 and to keep the informationcurrent, the database portions typically are synchronized periodically.

In addition, to protect the integrity of the official database 7102, thedata trustee 7202 may use advanced and state-of-the-art securitymeasures to protect the official database's underlying hardware,software, and data. For example, during transmission to or from the datatrustee 7202, the official data may be encrypted using strong encryptionalgorithms (e.g., those algorithms provided in the Data EncryptionStandard (DES), the International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), theRSA algorithm, and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)). Alternatively,or in conjunction with the strong data encryption algorithms, secureprotocols may be used to transmit the official data over a data network.For example, the data may be sent to a secure website, using the securehypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS). Pretty good privacy (PGP) andsecure sockets may also be used to protect the data during transmission.These and other security measures are designed to prevent non-authorizedparties from reading or changing the official data.

Data can be transferred between databases with any off-the-shelftranslation and mapping tools to aid in the translation of a submittingdatabase's data element identifier to a standard data elementidentifier. This technique also may be used to check accuracy.

Furthermore, once the official data is stored in the official database7102 other security measures may be used to protect the data. In someimplementations, the data trustees 7202 are required to implement strictprocedures, such as requiring data trustee employees to display securitybadges, performing background checks on key personnel, securingcomputers in restricted-access facilities, requiring users to log onusing a registered IP address or network-interface card, andimplementing strong authentication requirements for accessing data, tocontrol access to the official database 7102.

Moreover, additional security measures may be applied to the officialdatabase 7102. Exemplary measures include encrypting the data within theofficial database 7102, adding security policies to the officialdatabase that attach privileges and roles to people with access toconfidential information, monitoring and logging a user's activities onthe official database to detect misuse or serve as an intrusiondetection system, labeling certain types of data as confidential andcreating strict rules for accessing the data, and auditing connections.

To provide redundancy and back-up in the event of disaster or failure,backup copies of the official database 7102 may be located in at leasttwo secure and private locations. As a matter of procedure, occasionalsystem checks can be run to verify the consistency of the data in theofficial database 7102. Other security measures, such as firewalls andother hardware and software measures also may be used to maintain theintegrity of the system.

After the official data is secured, at least a portion of it isscreened, filtered, and may be transmitted to the government database7402. This filtering function can be performed by the data trustee 7202,the data service provider 7002 or even the animal producer.

In some embodiments, an animal producer or another authorized entity canreview an inventory of animals and the locations of the animals. Thisreview can be done, for example, at any time during animal productionand from any location, including remote locations, via, for example,data-access portals. In some embodiments, a user may access the dataover the Internet, such as using a customizable, web-enabled portable.

3.) Filters

A filter 7252 can be used to screen data to ensure the non-official datais removed from official data being forwarded to an official database7102 or to a government database 7402. In some implementations, the datais filtered automatically. For example, as animal information isreceived from a data service provider 7002, specific database rules maybe created to automatically forward designated fields of data, e.g., theanimal identifier, to the official database 7102 or the governmentdatabase 7402. Alternatively, data trustee personnel filter the datamanually, e.g. they visually review data records and remove non-officialdata or they copy the official data into a new data record and forwardthe new data record to the official database 7102 or the governmentdatabase 7402. Preferably, a combination of both automatic and manualfiltering is used. For example, a filter 7252 can be programmed into theofficial database 7102 that automatically removes all data except forthe animal identifier. When a new record arrives, the filter 7252 isautomatically applied. Then the filtered data record is sent to aseparate repository until it can be reviewed manually to determine ifthere is any remaining non-official data. This process provides anadditional security measure and allows the data to be checked foraccuracy before being forwarded to the government database 7402.

In some cases, there is no government database 7402, only the officialdatabase 7102 operated by the data trustee 7202. Under thesecircumstances, the filter 7252 may be applied after receiving anofficial request for information from a government official. In otherwords, a government official typically must request even officialinformation before it is released to the government. In this situation,the filter 7252 is applied just before sending the requested data.Alternatively, the government official may be granted limited access tothe official database 7102, e.g., the rights of the government officialwould be limited to official data.

In some implementations, received data is checked for accuracy beforebeing filtered. For example, the data trustee 7202, before filtering thedata, may verify the accuracy of some of the received data by checking anational premises identification repository to see if a receivedpremises identifier is correct. Additionally, the data trustee 7202 mayverify the accuracy of any received animal identifiers. If invalid datais received, the data trustee 7202 likely will report the error to adata service provider 7002 or the animal producer, so that appropriatecorrections are made. Alternatively, the identifier checks are performedafter filtering.

The amount of data being filtered is based on predetermined governmentand business guidelines. In some implementations, all the animalinformation is filtered except for the animal identifier. The animalidentifier is forwarded to the government database 7402 along with thedata record address that corresponds to the animal's information in theofficial database 7102. Alternatively more or less data may be forwardedto the government database 7402.

This filter 7252 allows the system to effectively address the concernsand the requirements of industry and health officials, protectingproducer interests and enabling animal tracing within a short period oftime without impeding the normal movement and commerce of animals.

FIG. 8 shows a technique for screening official data in an AIF. Thistechnique can be performed by the data trustee, data service provider,animal producer or any combination thereof. If filtering is performed bythe animal producer or the data service provider, there may be no needfor a separate entity to serve as a data trustee. In some embodiments acomponent, group, tool, and/or application performs the technique.

Typically, a data trustee tool receives (8102) data records from a dataservice provider. The received data records include official data thatallows government officials to trace animals. For example, the receiveddata records can include an animal identifier, a premises identifier,and other official data. Alternatively, the received data contains bothnon-official and official data.

Upon receipt of data records from a service provider, the data trusteetool screens (8202) the data for non-official content. If anynon-official data is found, the tool filters that data out beforeforwarding the data record to the official database. In someimplementations, any data not specifically required by the USDA isfiltered. The filter process is subject to modification based ongovernment and industry regulations.

After filtering non-official data from the received data, the datatrustee tool may pass (8302) the screened data to a government database.The government database provides government officials with access toinformation that allows the government to begin tracing an animal'slocation history. For example, if an animal is diagnosed with mad cowdisease, out of concern for public health and safety, a governmentofficial may use the animal's identifier to look up trace data in thegovernment database. The trace data stored in the database allows thegovernment to request a trace history report of the diseased animal.Using the reports, other animals that have been commingled and/orintimately associated with the diseased animal may be investigated andtreated in an appropriate manner, such as by quarantine.

The various stages of the filtering technique shown in FIG. 8 can beperformed separately or in various combinations, such as in conjunctionwith other stages.

4.) Government Database

Referring back to FIG. 7, the data trustee 7202 can use a filter 7252 toremove non-official data from received data. The official data can beforwarded to an official database 7102 and then, in response to alegitimate request according to the rules, forwarded to a governmentdatabase 7402.

The government database 7402, like the official database 7102, can bebuilt from commercially available database services. Included within thegovernment database 7402 are the underlying data, hardware, and softwareapplication required to manage, view, access, add to, delete from,modify, etc., the database. An exemplary government database 7402 is anSQL database with application software included to access the underlyingdata. Alternatively, a different database builder is used, e.g., an XMLdatabase, an Access database, a web-enabled database, or any otherwell-known database management system (DBMS). In other implementations,a custom database is developed. The application which accesses thegovernment database is preferably web-based, although alternativeinterfaces may be used. Within the database are various tables andfields, such as animal identifier, data trustee data record, etc.,defined to receive and store information received from the data trustee.

For ease of administration, the government database 7402 may be spreadover multiple computer systems. For example, due to the volume of theinformation being forwarded from a data trustee, portions of thegovernment database 7402 may be distributed across many differentcomputer systems and perhaps even multiple computer networks in order tohandle the load. To maintain consistency throughout the portions of thegovernment database 7402 and to keep the information current, thedatabase portions can be synchronized periodically.

The government database 7402 typically stores only premisesidentification information. When a health related investigation isinitiated, the government database 7402 may receive additionalinformation in response to a request using an animal identificationrelated to the investigation. Alternatively a request is made using apremises identification. In some implementations, for every animalrecord, the government database 7402 stores an animal identifier and adata record address that points to a location in the official database7102 from which additional animal information can be retrieved. For thisreason, the government database 7402 may not implement all of thesecurity measures used to protect the official database 7102, but couldif desired. However, to communicate with the official database 7102, thegovernment database 7402 may make use of some of the same securitymeasures. For example, the government database 7402 may employ the toolsnecessary to decrypt encoded data transfers and data packets from a datatrustee 7202. Moreover, in some implementations, other securitymeasures, such as adding security policies to the government database7402, monitoring and logging user activity on the government database,and auditing connections, are used to prevent non-authorized partiesfrom reading or changing the data.

To provide redundancy and a fail-safe in the event of a disaster orsystem failure, the government database 7402 can be backed up on aperiodic basis. This may be done by maintaining duplicate instances ofthe government database 7402 on separate computer systems. If one systemfails, the secondary system begins operating. Moreover, storing aduplicate copy of the government database 7402 at an off-site location,backing up the data using a back-up system such as a tape drive, andother similar mechanisms, all insure the consistency of the governmentdatabase 7402. Occasional system checks may be run to verify theconsistency of the data in the government database 7402.

As with the official database 7102, other security measures such asfirewalls and other hardware and software measures may be used tomaintain the integrity of the system.

5.) Reports

The data trustee 7202 may provide various reports 7302 to producers,data service providers 7002, government officials and others. Similar tothe reports generated by the data service provider 7002, some of thereports 7302 are confirmation reports to confirm that data has beenreceived, recorded, meets NAIS standards, etc. These reports 7302, likethe reports 5552 described in connection with FIG. 5, provideinformation regarding the status of an animal and also provide a chainof custody that shows where an animal has been. The data trustee 7202also provides animal trace reports, which, unlike the confirmationreports created by the data trustee, are generated in response to arequest from government officials and show a complete animal history.Finally, the data trustee 7202 may generate reconciliation reports,which typically are generated in response to a request forreconciliation of data after a discrepancy is detected. Reportsgenerated for providing commercial data to managers, buyers, processors,etc. can be used for process verification.

a.) Confirmation Reports

The confirmation reports typically are made in response to animal moveevents. The confirmation reports may, for example, disclose the factualinformation regarding the shipping and receiving premises withoutnecessarily disclosing the premises identification numbers of previouspremises locations. They allow data service providers 7002 and animalproducers to verify that data has been accurately recorded and that datahas been properly reconciled within the official database 7102.

For example, moving an animal from a ranch to a commercial feedlottriggers at least two events: an animal move-out event from the ranchand an animal move-in event at the commercial feedlot. The data serviceprovider 7002 may record these events and forward official data such asthe new premises identifier to the data trustee 7202. Upon receipt ofthe forwarded information, in some implementations, the data trustee7202 generates in real-time a confirmation report for the animalproducer. In other implementations, the data trustee 7202 reconciles thereceived data against its own records and those records stored at thenational premises identifier repository and the official database 7102.If no errors are found, a confirmation report is sent to the dataservice provider 7002 and/or the animal producer. Similarly, when anerror is found, the confirmation report notifies the data serviceprovider 7002 and/or the animal producer of the error.

In order to protect industry privacy interests, some premises receive alifetime premises identifier. In the confirmation reports, thisinformation typically is not disclosed. On the confirmation reports, thepremises identifier may, for example, be reported as “confirmed.”

The number and type of reports generated by the data trustee 7202 variesbased on government and industry regulation, animal producer and dataservice provider wants and needs, and other such factors.

Confirmation reports can be useful to animal buyers. In someembodiments, a buyer may require a confirmation report as a condition ofthe purchase and may refuse payment if no confirmation report is issued.A buyer may, however, first buy animals without a confirmation reportand then later receive a confirmation report at the buyer location oranother location.

b.) Reconciliation Reports

Reconciliation reports may be generated when a discrepancy arises in thedata, such as a discrepancy shown by a confirmation report. Typically,this type of reconciliation report is generated at the request of aparticipant, such as an animal buyer. Discrepancies may be caused by avariety of factors, such as lost animals, lost identification devicesand data-entry errors. In some embodiments, discrepancies are detectedautomatically and the participant is given the option of ordering areconciliation report to identify and address the discrepancy.

Reconciliation reports also can be generated to reconcile data inmultiple databases. For example, a data trustee may send areconciliation report to a data service provider to ensure that the datais consistent. If differences are found between the data in two or moredatabases, the source of the data can be investigated to determine whichdatabase is in error.

c.) Trace Reports

Trace reports typically include a location history for a given animal.For example, whenever an animal is moved, the animal identifier, the newpremises identifier, date, time, etc. are all recorded in the officialdatabase 7102. In response to a request from a government official, theofficial database 7102 provides data to the government to generate areport tracing an animal's location history. Alternatively, a tracereport may be generated for use by a data service provider, a datatrustee or an official database operator according to certain criteriaconsistent with confidentiality.

In addition to location histories, a trace report may include futureanimal locations. For example, if an animal lives sequentially atpremises A, B, and C during its lifetime and it is discovered that theanimal was exposed to a diseased animal while at premises A, a tracereport might specify premises occupied by the animal after location A(i.e., locations B and C). Depending on the required information, atrace report may include all the premises occupied by an animal beforean event, after an event or both. The premises information also can belimited to a specific time period, such as a time period in which acohort was known to have an active, contagious disease.

In some implementations, generating the trace report involves searchingin the official database 7102 for every location an animal has been andreporting the information on that animal alone. Alternatively, whengovernment officials request data for an animal trace, the officialdatabase 7102 may provide the data to generate a comprehensive list ofanimals that have at one time or another commingled, or have been moreintimately in contact, with the traced animal. This search involvesdetermining every premises where an animal has stayed. Then the searchcontinues by identifying every animal that has stayed at the samepremises. Such a search likely would be computing resource intensive(and may end up listing every cow in the country). Thus, to narrow thesearch, the data trustee 7202 may add additional search terms to itsqueries, such as the date an animal was at a premises, a GID, or otherpiece of data. By focusing the search, the data trustee 7202 can providea reasonably accurate report of all animals that have commingled withthe traced animal. Generally, this is done to identify diseased animals.This type of investigation generally returns only a small percentage ofthe national herd. Thus, only a small percentage of animals need to betreated as deemed appropriate.

If a requesting party has proper authorization a trace report also canbe generated for commercial purposes. For example, a trace report mayinclude all locations occupied by an animal and all commercial data forthe animal.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a trace report for a single animal. Aslisted, an animal with an animal identifier of 840 123456789012 lives atthree different premises during its lifetime. The animal is tagged atpremises AB12345. On Mar. 15, 2005, the animal is sighted on the samepremises. Later, the animal is moved to a second premises GHI90JK, wherethe animal stays for about 5 months. On Dec. 20, 2005, the animal ismoved to a slaughter house where it waits to be slaughtered.

Trace reports can be structured to protect the privacy and securityconcerns of animal producers. For example, a trace report based on ananimal identifier might include the animal identifier and an indicationthat the animal inhabited a certain number of premises during itslifetime. The exact premise identifiers can be withheld until requested.Similarly, if a trace report is generated for a given location, thereport may include that location's identifier and an indication thatcertain animals occupied the location at certain times. The exact animalidentifiers can be withheld until requested.

After a trace report is generated, if necessary, government and healthofficials develop an intervention strategy 7502 to keep diseased animalsout of the stream of commerce. For example, animals may be treated inany manner appropriate to the situation, such as quarantine, medicaltreatment, or slaughter. Alternatively, the animals are dealt with inany other suitable manner.

d.) Tracing Technique

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a technique for tracing an animal.Tracing generally includes identifying an animal 10302 (usually adiseased one), requesting a trace report 10402 for the animal,identifying other potentially infected animals 10502, and finallyimplementing a strategy 10702 to protect people from being infected bytainted meat and to reduce the other effects the diseased animal mayhave on commerce. Tools, components, and systems such as thoseillustrated in FIG. 4 can be used to perform the technique.Alternatively, another tool and/or system can be used to perform thetechnique.

In a first stage, an animal is diagnosed (10102) with an infectiousdisease such as mad cow disease. To prevent spread of the disease,health officials attempt to determine what animals have commingled withthe diseased animal. This can be done in one of at least two ways. Firstthe health officials using the diseased animal's identifier look up(10302) the data record for the diseased animal in the official databaseand submit (10402) a formal request for a trace report on the diseasedanimal. The formal request may be submitted electronically, e.g. througha web page, through a link in a government database application, or bysome other means.

An official database system then processes the request, searchingthrough relevant records to find where the animal has been. Confidentialpremises identifiers identify more specifically premises locations wherethe animal has stayed. An initial trace search finds the premisesidentifiers of locations where the diseased animal has lived andcommingled with other animals. These potentially diseased animals thencan be identified (10502).

Subsequent recursive searches (10602) using additional search terms,such as the time and date of move-in, a group number, narrow the searchscope and limit the number of animals that need to be quarantined. Thisprocess is repeated until a complete list of animals that havecommingled with the diseased animal is generated. Then the healthofficials can take the necessary precautions and intervening steps toquarantine, treat, or slaughter potentially infected animals.

The various stages of the technique can be performed separately or invarious combinations, such as in conjunction with other stages.

V.) Technique for Implementing the Animal Identification Framework

FIG. 11 shows an example of a technique for implementing the disclosedanimal identification framework (AIF). The AIF shown in FIG. 4 can beused to perform the technique. Alternatively, another framework can beused to perform the technique.

Systems such as those described in connection with the input datasources of FIG. 5 transmit (11102) animal information. In someimplementations, the data is transmitted to data collection tools. Thetransmitted data is collected (11202) by the data collection system andstored in a repository. The transmitted data includes animalinformation, such as animal identifiers, premises identifiers, and otherdata that is typically associated with commercial animal data collectionservices.

For example, an owner may have a small herd with each animal tagged withan identification device properly encoded with a UAID. To prepare theanimals for processing, the owner may move his small herd to acommercial feedlot, which acts as a designated data service provider, sothe animals will fatten up before sale. The animals' movements aretracked. When the animals are sent to the commercial feedlot, the animalidentifiers and any other information encoded on the identificationdevices are transmitted to a data service provider, which stores theinformation and reports to the owner that the animals arrived.

The data collector system then forwards all or part of the collecteddata to a data trustee system, such as the data trustee 7202 discussedin connection with FIG. 7. The data trustee system confirms receipt ofthe information, stores the forwarded information, and removes and/orhides non-official portions of the information (11302). For example, inthe scenario described above, the collected data from the small animalherd is forwarded to the data trustee system. The data trustee verifiesthe owner's premises identifier and the animals' identifiers. A reportis sent to the owner either confirming entry of the data in the databaseor detailing errors found in the data. In either case, the cattle ownerhas the opportunity to reconcile the data against his own records andcorrect any errors. In some embodiments, data service providers, datatrustees and/or others may verify the validity of data (such as thevalidity of UAIDs or PIDs) before submitting the data to the officialdatabase.

A portion of the screened data may be sent (11402) to agovernment-accessible database system, such as the government database7402 described in connection with FIG. 7. For example, in the abovescenario, the data trustee filters non-official information from thedata it received and only forwards official information, such as theanimal identifier, to the government-accessible database system.

If one of the cattle owner's animals is diagnosed with an infectiousdisease, such as mad cow disease, using the animal identifier as astarting point, the government can request a trace report on the sickanimal. Alternatively, the government may request a trace report on thepremises occupied by the sick animal. As shown with the techniquedescribed in connection with FIG. 10, a trace history is generated(11502) by the data trustee system. The trace history provides enoughdata for government and health officials to impose proper quarantinesand other measures to protect the health and well-being of animals, aswell as human beings. For example, the diagnosed cow is slaughtered andburned to avoid spreading the disease to other animals. Those animalsthat had contact with the diseased animal may be quarantined for aperiod of time to be treated and to see if they manifest any symptoms ofthe disease.

In addition to use on animals, embodiments of the disclosed system alsomay be useful for tracking food products made from animals. The sameprinciples apply. For example, the locations occupied by a food product(e.g., slaughterhouses, processing facilities, distributors andretailers) can be associated with a food product identifier in adatabase. Each food product can be packaged with a device (e.g., a barcode) encoded with a value that links the food product to the locationinformation in the database. The actual location identifiers, however,can be kept confidential unless a health concern causes a governmentofficial to request them. For example, when a tainted food product isdiscovered, health inspectors may use an identifier for a food productin question to obtain a list of locations associated with the foodproduct. Alternatively, the health inspectors may use a locationidentifier to obtain a list of food products associated with thelocation. This would help to protect the public from consuming taintedfood products. For added benefit, some embodiments include integratingthe disclosed AIF with food product tracking. For example, food productsmay have identifiers linked to the animal from which they originated.

Many of the tools and techniques herein can be described in the generalcontext of computer-executable instructions, such as those included inprogram modules, being executed in a computing environment on a targetreal or virtual processor. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc.that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or splitbetween program modules as desired in various embodiments.Computer-executable instructions for program modules may be executedwithin a local or distributed computing environment.

For the sake of presentation, the detailed description uses terms like“determine,” “generate,” “adjust,” and “apply” to describe computeroperations in a computing environment. These terms are high-levelabstractions for operations performed by a computer and, unless thecontext indicates otherwise, should not be confused with acts performedby a human being. The actual computer operations corresponding to theseterms vary depending on implementation.

VI.) Determining Respiratory or Circulatory Condition in Animals forImproved Management

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor evaluating respiratory or circulatory condition in animals and formanaging the animals accordingly. These process steps and systemcomponents can be used in conjunction with the disclosed AIF.

Unlike external animal characteristics, the condition of an animal'srespiratory and circulatory systems is not readily apparent from asuperficial examination. Respiratory and circulatory condition, however,such as respiratory damage from past respiratory disease, is one of themost important aspects of an animal's health.

Although the majority of this disclosure is directed to the evaluationof respiratory condition, it should be apparent that similar techniquescan be used for the evaluation of circulatory condition. For example,the ultrasonic and radiographic imaging techniques described below canbe used to generate images of an animal's heart or lymph nodes inaddition to its lungs. Information from these images then can be used tomake management decisions regarding the animal.

A.) Imaging

Some embodiments of the disclosed method include imaging at least onelung of a live animal. Several techniques can be used to image the lungsof live animals, such as ultrasonography, radiography (e.g., standardx-ray and computerized axial tomography) and magnetic resonance imaging.Of these techniques, ultrasonography is the least expensive and isparticularly well suited to use on large animals raised for commercialfood production.

Ultrasound imaging involves the direct introduction of high frequencysound waves from a transducer into the tissue to be evaluated. The echoresulting from these sound waves can be recorded as an image thatprovides valuable information about the internal characteristics of thetissue. The time delay between transmitting the sound waves andrecording the echo can be used to indicate the depth of the tissue beingimaged. The intensity of the echo can be used to distinguish betweendifferent types of tissue, because different materials have differentlevels of acoustical impedance. In this way, internal structures can bevisualized, including overall organs and structures on or within organs,such as lesions.

Ultrasound imaging conventionally has been used in the obstetric care oflivestock and to measure various livestock characteristics, such as backfat thickness and marbling. In very limited circumstances, ultrasoundimaging also has been used to view the thoracic organs of live animals,including the lungs. There are two journal articles that describeultrasound imaging of the lungs of cattle: U. Braun, et al.,“Ultrasonographic Findings in Cattle with Pleuropneumonia,” Vet. Rec.141: 12-17 (1997) and U. Braun, et al. “Ultrasonography of the Lungs,Pleura, and Mediastinum in Healthy Cows,” Am. J. Vet. Res. 57(4): 432-8(1996). These articles are incorporated herein by reference. Both ofthese articles describe ultrasound imaging for the purpose of diagnosisof current disease rather than to evaluate damage from past disease.

Some embodiments of the disclosed method include imaging the lungs oflive animals while the animals have substantially no symptoms of activerespiratory illness. In these and other embodiments, imaging is notperformed for the purpose of diagnosing current disease, but rather forthe purpose of gathering information about respiratory condition thatcan be useful for future management decisions. Lung imaging can beconducted at various times during the lifecycle of an animal. At certaintimes, information about an animal's respiratory condition is moreuseful than at other times. In some disclosed embodiments, lung imagingis conducted shortly before a management decision, such as the sale ofan animal or the slaughter of an animal. For example, lung imaging canbe conducted at auction before an animal is sold, upon purchase of ananimal for grazing or feeding or while the animal is undergoing finishfeeding at a feedlot. Lung imaging also can be conducted at a timeunrelated to the timing of a management decision. Information from suchlung imaging can be recorded for later use. The process of recording andusing information from lung imaging is described in greater detailbelow.

Most livestock require periodic maintenance. To improve efficiency, lungimaging can be conducted in conjunction with other maintenance. Forexample, lung imaging of cattle can be conducted while the cattle arereceiving treatment in a chute or cattle working area. Some embodimentsof the disclosed system include a measuring station. The imagingequipment can be stationary or mobile. Efficiency can be improved bysuccessively imaging the lungs of two or more animals.

The procedure for imaging the lungs of animals can be derived from theimaging procedures used in other contexts. For example, ultrasoundimaging procedures for imaging the lungs can be derived from obstetricultrasound imaging procedures. For example, the lungs of cattle can beimaged with the same equipment used in back fat and marblingmeasurements. Suitable ultrasound devices include the Alkoa 500 with a3.5 MHz transducer.

The transducer used in ultrasound imaging can be positioned externallyor internally. If positioned externally, the skin on the thorax in theregion of the lungs may be prepared prior to imaging. This preparationcan include removing hair and applying a transmission gel or liquid. Incattle, the lungs generally can be observed in the area between theseventh intercostal space and the twelfth intercostal space. To produceimages of the lungs, the transducer can be scanned along eachintercostal space with its long axis parallel to the long axis of theribs. The transducer can be positioned internally, for example, bysedating the animal and routing the transducer through the animal'sesophagus. This technique is best for imaging the mediastinum ratherthan the outer portions of the lungs.

In some disclosed embodiments, ultrasound imaging is combined with anauditory evaluation of internal tissue characteristics. For example, adevice can be used that includes both an ultrasound transducer and astethoscope. Combining these instruments allows for the simultaneousvisual and auditory evaluation of the internal tissue. The combineddevice can include, for example, a stethoscope mounted to an ultrasoundtransducer such that the diaphragm of the stethoscope is substantiallycoplanar with the portion of the transducer intended to contact theanimal. The acoustical tubing leading to the diaphragm can be integratedwith the wiring leading to the transducer. Sounds generated within theinternal tissue also can be detected electronically. These sounds thencan be reproduced in an earpiece or some other transmission device.

B.) Evaluation of Images

A significant amount of information can be gathered from images of thelungs of live animals. For example, these images can provide informationconcerning both present and past respiratory disease. Presentrespiratory disease may be observed, for example, as an accumulation offluid in the pleura. Damage from past respiratory disease may beobserved, for example, as scarring, fibrosis, necrosis or other types oflung lesions. Some embodiments of the disclosed method are directedprimarily to the evaluation of damage from past respiratory disease.

Evaluation of the images can be performed at the time of imaging or at alater time. In some disclosed embodiments, a technician images the lungsand records the images, which then can be evaluated by anothertechnician or a veterinarian. Each animal can be assigned a respiratorydamage designation corresponding to the animal's degree of respiratorydamage. For example, the evaluator may assign a qualitative designation(e.g., good, average or poor) or a quantitative designation (e.g., thepercentage of damage).

Lung lesions in animals are similar in appearance to lung lesions inhumans. Thus, information regarding evaluating lung lesions in humanscan be used as a guide in the evaluation of lung lesions in animals.Similarly, information regarding evaluating lung lesions in one type ofanimal can be used as a guide in the evaluation of lung lesions inanother type of animal.

Both ultrasound and radiographic images typically are grayscale images.In such images, a healthy animal lung typically appears with a dark grayborder and a lighter gray interior. Lung tissue affected by an activerespiratory disease typically appears darker than healthy lung tissue.Lung tissue damaged by a past respiratory disease typically appears evendarker than lung tissue affected by an active respiratory disease. Insome cases, lung tissue damaged by a past respiratory disease is verydark gray or black. Thus, darkened portions of ultrasound andradiographic images of the lung are evidence of active or pastrespiratory disease. Additional information can be gathered from thelocations of the darkened portions. Respiratory disease typically ismost severe in the bottom portion of the lung. Therefore, ultrasound orradiographic images that show dark gray or black areas in this bottomportion are strong evidence of active or past respiratory disease. Theexact grayscale intensity differences between healthy lung tissue, lungtissue affected by active respiratory disease and lung tissue damaged bypast respiratory disease can be discerned by comparing images fromseveral animals, including animals with each of these conditions.

C.) Livestock Management

Information gathered from images of the lungs of live animals can beused to make management decisions regarding the animals. Such managementdecisions can include decisions regarding the treatment, care ordisposition of the animals. Some examples of animal managementdecisions, as well as other relevant information, can be found in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/645,462 and U.S. Pat. Nos.6,805,075, 6,736,272, 6,592,517, 6,579,236, 6,547,726, 6,516,746,6,318,289, 6,200,210, 6,135,055, 6,131,744, 6,000,361, 5,836,880,5,803,906, 5,673,647, 5,573,002, 5,401,501, 5,369,032, RE34,776,5,340,211, 5,315,505, 5,219,224, 5,008,821, 4,910,024, 4,889,433,4,815,042, 4,733,971, which are incorporated herein by reference.

After evaluating respiratory damage, such as from an ultrasound orradiographic image, the designation corresponding to the degree ofrespiratory damage can be recorded. To facilitate recordation of therespiratory damage designation, some embodiments of the disclosed systeminclude a data entry device near the measurement station where therespiratory damage is imaged or evaluated. Each designation can beassociated with a unique identifier for the animal being assessed. Thisfacilitates later reference to the respiratory damage designation toinform future management decisions. In some disclosed embodiments, therespiratory damage designation is entered and stored in an electronicdatabase. In these and other embodiments, a user may be able to reviewthe respiratory damage designation for each of a plurality of animalsfrom a location remote from the animals.

As discussed above, livestock with significant amounts of respiratorydamage from past respiratory disease typically do not perform as well asother livestock at the feedlot, do not respond as well as otherlivestock to treatment for active respiratory disease and produce lowerquality meat than other livestock. According to some embodiments of thedisclosed method, livestock managers can use the knowledge that certainanimals will or will not have these undesirable characteristics to makebetter management decisions.

One management decision that can be informed by knowledge of respiratorydamage is the purchase of an animal. Some disclosed embodiments includeproviding a respiratory damage designation to a buyer to aid the buyerin a decision regarding the purchase of an animal. Naturally, animalswith a greater degree of respiratory damage may be purchased for a lowerprice than animals with a lesser degree of respiratory damage. In somecases, a lower purchase price may offset the additional risks associatedwith investing in an animal with significant respiratory damage.

Aside from purchase of an animal, respiratory damage information alsomay be useful for determining whether to treat an animal for arespiratory illness diagnosed after the respiratory damage informationis gathered. As discussed above, treatment can include theadministration of drugs, which can be expensive. A decision may be made,for example, not to incur the expense associated with treatment ofanimals with significant respiratory damage from past respiratorydisease because these animals are less likely to recover than otheranimals. Alternatively, a decision may be made to treat animals withsignificant respiratory damage from past respiratory disease moreaggressively than other animals if such treatment may prevent theotherwise likely death of such animals.

Other management decisions that may be affected by an animal'srespiratory condition include how the animal should be fed and housedprior to slaughter. Typically, livestock are fed at a feedlot forseveral months prior to slaughter. Animals with significant respiratorydamage gain less weight per day at a feedlot than other animals. Thus, adecision can be made to lessen or avoid the expense associated with theanimal's stay at a feedlot. For example, animals with significantrespiratory damage can be housed at a feedlot for shorter amounts oftime than other animals or sent directly to slaughter without spendingany time at a feedlot. The rates of respiratory disease increasedramatically while an animal is housed at a feedlot and animals withsignificant respiratory damage are less likely to recover fromrespiratory disease than other animals. Thus, bypassing the feedlotstage or shortening the amount of time an animal is housed at a feedlotalso may help prevent the premature death of animals with significantrespiratory damage. If an animal is sent to a feedlot, the animal'srespiratory condition may affect management decisions regarding how theanimal should be fed. Animals with significant respiratory damage, forexample, may require less feed than other animals.

VII.) Electronic Cattle Management

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor electronic animal management. These process steps and systemcomponents can be used in conjunction with the disclosed AIF.

FIG. 12 illustrates a feedlot 10 which would typically include a seriesof feed pens (not shown) where cattle would be fed selected feed rationsand watered during their stay in the feedlot. For example, four feedpens A, B, C and D are illustrated schematically in FIG. 18. In additionto feed pens, a feedlot incorporating the cattle management system andmethod includes an alley 12 leading through a series of manually orpower-operated gates 14, 16, 18 and a one-way gate 20 to a chute 22.

The alley 12 leads from an alley 24, which communicates with both feedpens and receiving and holding pens, where cattle are received and heldfor a short period upon their delivery to the feedlot from a producer.The intersection of alley 24 and the alley 12 leading to the chute 22 isgated as indicated at 26 and 28 to control the admission of cattle intoalley 12 leading to the chute and to control the exit of cattle fromsorting pens indicated at 30.

Gates 14, 16 and 18 subdivide the upper curved portion of the alley 12into cattle holding sections 190, 192 of about 40 head apiece so as tocontrol the delivery of cattle into a crowding section 32 through acrowd gate 18. The crowding section 32 narrows from its entrance to theone-way gate 20 so that cattle are forced single file through the gate20 and into the chute area 22 which is a single-file chute.

Chute section 22 is subdivided into a series of longitudinally arrangedstations 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42. These five stations are separated fromone another and from the entrance 44 to the chute by entrance and exitgates 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56. The stations defined by these gates areonly large enough to receive one animal at a time. The opening andclosing of these gates are controlled by position sensors such asphotoelectric cells under computer control to control the one at a timemovement of animals through the chute. A larger scale depiction of thechute will be seen in FIG. 16.

Just downstream of the single-file chute are a series of the previouslymentioned sorting pens 30, there being nine such pens illustrated inFIG. 12, including pens 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H and 30I.Below these pens in FIG. 12 is an alley 58 leading from the left-handpen exits to the alleys 12 and 24. In addition, there is a single-filenarrow alley 60 between the left-hand series of sorting pens 30A, 30C,30D, 30E, 30G and the right-hand series of sorting pens 30B, 30D, 30Fand 30H. From the layout of FIG. 12 it will be apparent that any animalproceeding through the chute and not sorted into one of the sortinggates 30A-30H will automatically end up in sorting pen 30I.

Alley 60 is normally isolated from the entrances to each of the eightsorting pens 30A-30H by a computer-operated entrance gate 62 at theentrance to each sorting pen. It will be noted that there is no entrancegate to the final sorting pen 30I. Each sorting pen also has an exitgate 64 at its opposite end opening into an alley used to direct thecattle from the sorting pens to another destination to be described ingreater detail below. The exit gates 64 on pens 30A, 30C, 30E and 30G onthe left-hand side of the alley 60 in FIG. 12 open into an alley 66leading through control gates 68, 70 back to alley 58 where cattle canbe directed either back through alley 12 or into alley 24 leading to thefeed pens.

Each station of the single file chute 22 is set up either to prepareeach animal for measurement or processing, or to actually measure orprocess the animal. For example, in FIG. 12, station 34 is termed the“get ready” station where one animal is admitted from the chute entrancearea 44. Once the animal enters the “get ready” station 34, gate 46closes and gate 48 remains closed so the animal remains isolated at thatstation. Then gate 48 is opened so that the animal enters the nextstation 36. Station 36 is where certain external dimensions of eachanimal are measured. This is preferably done through a video-imagingdevice or scanner suitable for this purpose such as one knowncommercially as an MSI Scanner available from Cattle Scanning Systems(C.S.S.) of Rapid City, S. Dak. Another video-imaging measurement systemfor cattle is disclosed in Hayes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,472.

After the animal's external dimensions are measured, gate 50 is openedand the animal proceeds into the third station 38 in the chute, whichcontains a scale on which the animal is weighed. The scale used can beany of a number of commercially available scales but should be capableof generating an electronic signal for recording the weight at a remotelocation. Also at the scale station or at another desired station, anelectronic identification (EID) tag is attached to the animal's ear.This EID tag remains attached to the animal throughout its residence inthe feedlot and its shipment to the packing plant where it is removedupon slaughter. Through this EID tag, the animal can not only beidentified but its location can be tracked and its measurement andperformance data correlated to the animal throughout the duration of itsfeedlot stay, through its shipment to the packing plant, and untilslaughter. One suitable EID tag for this purpose is manufactured byAllflex International and is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat.No. 5,315,505. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505 is incorporatedherein by reference. The Allflex EID tag is a transponder which operatesthrough a nearby antenna and an integrator reader also available fromAllflex International. Each EID tag emits a signal unique to the animalto which it is attached, which is electronically “read” by the antennaand communicated to a host computer via a computer interface unit.

After an animal's weight is recorded and its EID tag attached, it movesthrough gate 52 to the next measuring station 40 where its internalbackfat content is measured using an ultrasound measuring means andtechnique. For this purpose, the animal must be held fairly still;station 40 is a “squeeze chute,” well known in the feedlot industry. Thesqueeze chute has a rear gate that pushes against the rear of an animalwhile its head is stabilized in a “head catcher.” The ultrasoundmeasuring system used at station 40 is similar to the experimentalsystem used by Professor John Brethour at Kansas State University's FortHays Experiment Station, described in the September, 1994 issue of D JFeeder Management magazine. While the animal is within measuring station40, circulatory or respiratory system imaging also can be performed, asdiscussed above.

After backfat measurement, the gate 54 is opened and the animal proceedsto station 42 for processing. Station 42 is also a squeeze chute.Typically, processing at station 42 will include individual drugadministration, growth hormone implantation, castration and dehorning.After processing, the chute gate 56 is opened and the animal is sortedinto one of the sorting pens in a manner to be described hereinafter.

The enlarged schematic version of the single-file chute 22 shown in FIG.16 is sufficiently similar to the chute 22 shown schematically in FIG.12 that the same reference numerals will be used in describing bothchutes. With reference to FIG. 16, it includes the same five processingand measuring stations 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 as in FIG. 12. However, atthe downstream end of the chute 22 of FIG. 16 there are only sevensorting pens 30 shown and designated sort pens 1-7, rather than ninesuch pens as shown in FIG. 12.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 16, the single-file chute includes at itsdownstream end just downstream of chute exit gate 56 from the processingstation 42 a pair of access gates 72, 74 for the admission of feedlotpersonnel into the chute when necessary. These gates may be manuallyoperated.

From FIG. 16 it will also be apparent that sorting into one of theseveral sorting pens is accomplished after each animal proceeds throughall five stations of the chute by opening an entrance gate to one of thesorting pens while the others remain closed. Thus, for example, if ananimal is to be sorted into sorting pen 3 in FIG. 16 its entrance gate62 would open to the position 62 a shown while the entrance gate 62 toall other sorting pens remain closed, thereby directing the animal intosorting pen 3.

As previously mentioned, each sorting pen entrance gate 62 and each ofthe chute gates 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 is operated via positionsensors indicated schematically at 76 in FIG. 16 in conjunction with ahost computer 78 through chute gate interfaces indicated schematicallyat 80. Similarly, sort pen entrance gates 62 are operated by theposition sensors 82 controlled by the host computer 78 through the sortgate interfaces 84.

The measurement taken at each of the measuring stations 36, 38 and 40 ofthe chute, for each animal passing through the chute, transmits a signalindicative of the measurement for that animal through an appropriateinterface to the host computer 78, where the measurement data is enteredand stored for use in calculating various performance characteristics ofthe animal.

Each measurement is correlated with a specific animal through theanimal's EID tag as it passes from station to station through the chute.More specifically, the video imaging measurement (VIM) data istransmitted through a VIM interface 86 to the host computer 78. Weightdata for the same animal is transmitted from the scale at station 38through a scale interface 88 to the host computer 78. Then theultrasound data for the same animal is transmitted through the USBFinterface 90 to the host computer 78. The ultrasound data can include,for example, backfat data and respiratory condition data. Finally, anydrugs administered to the animal or other procedures performed on theanimal at the processing station 42 are transmitted through theprocessing interface 92 to the host computer where such data iscorrelated with the animal processed.

Reference is made to the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505 for adetailed description of how animal health data and drug administrationdata would be entered into the host computer from a processing stationfor a given animal.

With reference to FIG. 13, a pen sorter 94 is disclosed. There could beone or several pen sorters 94 in a feedlot. Also, it is possible thatthe sorting portion of the pen sorter 94, which portion is to bedescribed presently, could be designed as a portable unit that would betransported to a particular feed pen within the feedlot for use therewithin the 30 days or so prior to scheduled shipment of the group ofanimals within the feed pen so that the shipment date for each animal inthe pen could be optimized for maximum feed efficiency and value.

In any case, the pen sorter is designed to enable weighing of individualanimals on a frequent basis, such as daily or even more frequently,without removing the animals from their feed pens and without the needto send them back through the single-file chute described with respectto FIGS. 12 and 16.

The illustrated pen sorter 94 is subdivided into two feed pens 95, 96designated feed pen A and feed pen B, separated by a partition or fence97. Each feed pen in turn is also separated by partitions 98, 99 fromadjacent water pens 100, 101, designated water pen A and water pen B.Water pens A and B are, in turn, separated from adjacent shipping pens102, 103 by partitions 104, 105, the shipping pens being designated shippen A and ship pen B. The ship pens in turn are separated from oneanother by another fence or partitions 106. Each feed pen includes afeed bunk 108 into which the daily feed ration of the animals in thosepens is deposited and to which the animals in the feed pen have readyaccess. The water pens and ship pens are provided with respectivewatering troughs 110, 111, 112 and 113 so that the animals within thosepens can access drinking water as desired.

The heart of the pen sorter 94 is its array of gates for directinganimals in the feed pens A and B to desired locations within the largerconfines of the pen sorter 94, on an individual animal basis, based onmeasured performance characteristics of each animal, other data such asmarket conditions, and a desired shipping date.

First it should be noted that animals within feed pen A are free to passbetween such pen and its adjacent water pen A through a two-way gate 114to access feed and water as desired. The same is true with respect toanimals within feed pen B through a two-way gate 115 between feed pen Band water pen B. However, unless desired by feedlot personnel ordictated by the management system, cattle cannot pass from one feed pento another or from one water pen to another and cannot pass from eitherwater pen into either shipping pen.

A single scale stall 116 is positioned between water pen A and water penB and is sized to accept one animal at a time. The scale stall isequipped with one scale at 117, which can be of a type similar to thatused in the scale station of the single-file chute as previouslydescribed. The scale is set up to transmit automatically the weightreading of an animal through a suitable interface to the host computer.To identify the animal being weighed, the stall is also equipped with anEID tag identification means as previously described for receiving andtransmitting the identification of an animal being weighed to the hostcomputer.

Access to the scale stall is either from feed pen A or feed pen B, asdesired, through one of two shuttle gates 118, 120. Both shuttle gates118 and 120 comprise a pair of parallel gate arms 121, 122 which move inunison from a scale entrance position, as shown with respect to shuttlegate 120, to a scale blocking position, as shown with respect to shuttlegate 118 in FIG. 13. When in its scale blocking position, each shuttlegate has its arms 121, 122 directed toward a one-way gate leading intothe adjacent water pen. For example, feed pen A shows shuttle gate 118with its shuttle arms in a position for directing animals through theone-way gate 124 into water pen A. When shuttle gate 120 is in acomparable position, its arms would direct cattle through a one-way gate126 into water pen B. Thus, depending on the position of shuttle gate118, animals from feed pen A can be directed either through one-way gate124 into water pen A or into the scale stall 116. A one-way gate 128 atthe entrance to the scale stall prevents an animal that has entered thescale stall from backing out. Similarly, an animal within feed pen B canbe directed by shuttle gate 120 either into the scale stall 117 to beweighed or through the one-way gate 126 into water pen B.

Of course, it will be apparent that an animal in feed pen A or in feedpen B can at any time pass through the two-way gates 114 and 115 betweenthose pens and their respective water pens A and B, and back again totheir respective feed pens. It will also be apparent that any animalwithin water pen A can also pass through a one-way gate 130 back to feedpen A. However, unless other control gates are operated, an animal inwater pen A cannot pass to either shipping pen A or shipping pen B orinto feed pen B. Similarly, any animal in water pen B can pass througheither the two-way gate 115 or a one-way gate 132 back to feed pen B butcannot pass into shipping pen B, feed pen A or water pen A withoutoperation of appropriate control gates.

Once an animal is within the scale stall 116, it must pass forwardly outof the stall through a complex array of sorting gates indicatedgenerally at 134 into one of four pens, either water pen A, shipping penA, water pen B, or shipping pen B. The operation of the sorting gatearray 134 is under computer control. The scale stall 116 is providedwith an EID tag antenna to identify the animal within the scale stall tothe computer system, which then determines which pen the animal is toproceed to from the scale stall, after which the computer operates thesorting gate array 134 in a manner to direct the animal to theappropriate pen.

Sorting gate array 134 includes three controllable shuttle gates 136,137 and 138. In addition, it includes a one-way gate 140 leading fromthe sorting area just downstream from the scale stall into water pen A,a one-way gate 142 leading from the same sorting area into shipping penA, a third one-way gate 144 leading from the sorting area into shippingpen B and a fourth one-way gate 146 leading from the sorting area intowater pen B.

The following will illustrate that an animal in, for example, feed pen Acan be directed through the scale stall 116 and then either back to feedpen A, to feed pen B, to shipping pen A or to shipping pen B. The sameis true with respect to an animal in feed pen B. Thus, pen sorter 94 iscapable of effecting a four-way sort.

To illustrate, an animal in feed pen A with the shuttle gate 118 in theposition shown, can pass freely between feed pen A and water pen A andback to feed pen A. However, with the shuttle gate 118 shifted to itsposition shown in dashed lines in FIG. 13, an animal in feed pen A willbe directed through the one-way gate 128 into the scale stall 116 whereit will be weighed and identified to the computer through its EID tag.The computer will then determine to which pen it should be sorted fromthe scale stall and actuate the appropriate gates to accomplish thedesired sort. For example, if it is desired to return the animal to feedpen A, sorting gate 136 is shifted downward to its dashed line positionshown thereby allowing the animal to move through the sorting area andthrough the one-way gate 140 back to water pen A where it can movefreely back to feed pen A, either through the two-way gate 114 or theone-way gate 130.

If it is desired that the animal be sorted from feed pen A to feed penB, sort gate 136 is shifted upward to its dashed line position shown,allowing the animal to travel from the scale stall freely through thesorting area and one-way gate 146 to water pen B, from which the animalcan move freely through either two-way gate 115 or one-way gate 132 tofeed pen B.

If it is desired that the animal move from the scale stall 116 toshipping pen A, sort gate 136 is moved to its downward position in FIG.13 and control gate 137 is moved to its upward position shown in dashedlines in FIG. 13, enabling the animal to travel through the sorting areaand through one-way gate 142 into shipping pen A.

If it is desired that the animal move from the scale stall to shippingpen B, sorting gate 136 is moved upward, control gate 138 is moveddownward to its dashed line position, and the animal can thus movefreely through the sorting area and one-way gate 144 into shipping penB.

From the foregoing it will be understood that animals within feed pens Aand B can be weighed as frequently as desired and sorted four wayswithout moving the animals any appreciable distance. Thus the pen sorter94 provides an ideal finishing pen for use in determining the exact daywithin a shipping window of several days when an animal should beshipped to the packing plant for slaughter to realize the maximum returnon the investment in such animal, considering animal performance, marketconditions and feed efficiency.

FIG. 14 illustrates a hypothetical timeline in the management of cattle.Upon arrival of a lot of cattle in the feedlot, or before, the priorhistory of the lot would be entered in the host computer 78, asindicated at 148. Such prior history data is illustrated, for example,in the cattle received report by “load” shown in Table 3A. The reportindicates such things as the date the load was received, the loadnumber, the number of head in the load, the sex of the cattle in theload and the average weight of the animals in the load. It alsoindicates cost information. It also gives information such as the age ofthe cattle, the breed, the type of pasture the load has been on andhealth, nutrition, stress and weather conditions applicable to the load.It also indicates the number of days the load has been feeding onpasture. Some or all of this data may be used in later calculations bythe computer to determine the optimum end date (OED) or days to finish(DTF), of the group or individual animals in the group. This date isalso sometimes referred to as the optimum marketing or shipping date.

On the day of their arrival, indicated on the timeline at 150, eachanimal in the load is measured, processed and electronically identifiedwith an EID tag in the one-way single-file chute 22 previouslydescribed. Then, if desired, the measured and processed animals may besorted into the sorting pens 30 in a rough sort by type (breed), weight,age, or a first estimated OED or DTF, although such a first “rough”first sort is optional.

From the sorting pens, the animals are moved to feed pens, either bysort or on an ad hoc basis, where they are fed for a period of time,such as 45 days as shown in FIG. 14, although possibly substantiallylonger than that.

If a 45 day weight or measurement is desired for the animals, they wouldbe moved from their feed pens on the 45th day as indicated at 152 backthrough the single-file chute, where they would be remeasured. From theinitial measurement and remeasurement data, the performance of eachanimal would be calculated by the computer, and its performanceassessed. The animals would then be sorted into the sorting pens 30according to their performance characteristics. Poorly performinganimals would be culled from the group and removed from the feedlotoperation as “salvage.” The remaining resorted animals would be returnedto the feed pens according to their sorts. Animals with respiratory orcirculatory damage indicated by imaging also can be moved to the salvagegroup.

Then 60-120 days into the feeding period, indicated by the range 154 inFIG. 14, the animals from at least two feed pens at once would be movedfrom their pens back through the single-file chute for remeasuring onceagain on an individual basis. The data from these measurements togetherwith prior data for each animal would be used by the computer tocalculate a new OED or DTF for each animal and other performancecriteria, such as average daily gain (ADG) and feed proration for eachanimal. From the single-file chute the animals would be resorted onceagain according to predetermined criteria such as DTF or OED. Aprojected shipping sequence for each animal could also be calculated atthis time. Then the animals would be returned to the feed pens accordingto the newly determined sorts. The animals then could be removed fromtheir pens for shipment according to their calculated shipping sequence.Whenever an animal is moved in the feedlot, its identification and data,via computer, moves with it. Its location at any time can be determinedremotely by computer, and its performance data assessed.

Alternatively, a portable pen sorter of the type shown in FIG. 13 couldbe installed in the feed pen. Each animal would be carefully monitoredand weighed, perhaps on a daily basis, until it reached its optimumshipping weight or value, at which time it would be shipped to thepacker, indicated at 156.

Alternatively, animals within the feed pens could be sent to a finishingpen such as the pen sorter 94 shown on FIG. 13 where it would beconfined, monitored and weighed frequently within a shipping window suchas a 30 day shipping window. Within that shipping window indicated at158, each animal as determined by frequent weight checks and marketconditions, would be directed from its feed pen, such as feed pen A orfeed pen B in FIG. 13, to appropriate shipping pen A or B when it isready for shipment.

Alternatively, during an animal's shipping window, the animal could beweight checked simply by sending it back through the single-file chuteperiodically until it reaches its ideal shipping weight, at which timeit would be shipped to the packer 156.

Alternatively, a specific shipping date for a given animal could bedetermined by issued inspection while the animals are within their30-day shipping window.

When the animal leaves the feedlot, its EID tag travels with it. Itshistorical and performance data records would be maintained by thefeedlot, indicated at 160, and also transmitted to the producer,indicated at 162. At the same time, the packer would record the carcassdata for each slaughtered animal, identified by its EID tag, andtransmit the carcass data, as indicated at 164, to the feedlot andproducer for correlation with the animal's live performance data fromthe feedlot.

The correlation can be useful to the feedlot in projecting optimum enddates (OED), initial feed proration and production costs for futureanimals of a given type and similar history. This data can also beuseful to cattle producers in determining which breeds and individualbreeding animals are most desirable from the standpoint of market valueand producing the best quality of beef. The important thing to note isthat the performance of each animal is tracked on an individual basisfrom the time it arrives in the feedlot until the time it is shipped andslaughtered, when its carcass data is collected and correlated with itsperformance data for use by the feedlot and producer in managing futurebeef production.

Another important feature of the system is its ability to update anindividual animal's performance projections on a daily basis. Forexample, the DTF for an animal will be current for the day theprojection is assessed. The same is true for other projections such asprojected weight, etc.

Although FIG. 14 illustrates one possible processing sequence of cattleincluding measuring and remeasuring steps and sorting and resortingsteps for optimum feed efficiency and return, many other sequences arepossible as illustrated in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C. For example in thesequences of FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C the 45 day remeasurement iseliminated and instead a single 60-75 day remeasurement and uniformitysort are performed.

Referring to FIG. 15A, a load of cattle is received in the feedlot at166 and within a few hours, measured at 167 and processed at 168 in thesingle-file chute. From the chute they are directed into the feed pensat 169 without an initial sort. They are fed in the feed pens for 60-75days, then returned to the single-file chute for remeasuring at 170 andpossibly reimplantation of a growth hormone, if necessary. Afterremeasuring, the animals undergo a uniformity sort as determined by thecomputer, and directed into the appropriate sorting pens 172. Uponcompletion of the sorting operation, they are returned to the feedingpens 174 according to their sort groups and there fed for a period of 60to 80 days. As the cattle within the feed pens approach their individualoptimum end dates they would be selected for shipment either visually,by remeasurement at the single-file chute, or by frequent reweighing ina portable pen sorter of the type shown in FIG. 13. Following selectionat step 176 the animal would be shipped as at 178 to the packer.

The processing sequence of FIG. 15B for an individual animal is the samedown through the initial receiving, measuring and processing steps.However after measuring and processing, according to FIG. 15B there isan initial sort step 180 that can be a rough type sort as in FIG. 14 orcan be based on a first rough estimated optimum end date for eachindividual animal. Following the first sort 180, the animals aredirected by sort group into feed pens at 169 for a feeding period of60-75 days. At the end of the 60-75 day period the animals are removedfrom their pens, either individually or in groups, and returned to thesingle-file chute for remeasuring at 170.

After remeasuring in the single-file chute, each animal is resorted at182 by the computer, which opens the appropriate sorting gates of thesorting pens 30. From the sorting pens, the animals are redirected backto the feed pens at 174 and placed into the pens according to theirsorting groups. They remain in the feed pens for a period of 60-80 days,after which they are individually, or by group, selected for shipment,according to their last calculated OED. As previously indicated, thisselection for shipment can be fine-tuned through the use of either aportable pen sorter or the pen sorter 94 of FIG. 13. After selection,the selected animals are shipped at step 178 to the packing plant forslaughter, where the carcass data and EID tag are collected.

The optional cattle processing procedure of FIG. 15C is the same as theprocedure outlined in FIG. 15A down through the initial sorting step172. However, thereafter the animals, according to the procedure in FIG.15C, are directed back to the feed pens according to sorting group atstep 173 for a feeding period of only 30-40 days. Thereafter, theanimals, or at least selected animals, from the feed pens are removed tofinish feed pens, such as pen sorters 94 in FIG. 13, for a finishfeeding step 175 for an additional 30-40 days, which represents theshipping window 158 indicated in FIG. 14. Within the finish feedingpens, the animals can be sorted, resorted, weighed, reweighed andselected on an individual animal basis for sorting to one of the twoshipping pens A and B for shipment to the packer at step 178.

FIG. 18 illustrates, in greater detail, a representative cattleprocessing sequence in a feedlot. Steps in the processing sequence arenumbered 1-9 along the left-hand side of FIG. 18.

In step 1, as indicated at 184, several lots of cattle arrive at thefeedlot at about the same time, indicated as lots 1-4. When they arrive,the previous history data of the lots and individual animals in the lotsis entered into the host computer by data entry means (not shown) suchas a computer keyboard. The previous history, as already mentioned, mayinclude information such as shown in Table 3A.

According to step 2, after the cattle arrive they are directed intoreceiving or holding pens 186, typically by lot, where they are heldjust prior to initial processing. The time spent in the holding pens 186will depend on when the lots arrived in the feedlot. For example, whenthey arrive in the middle of a night, they would be retained in theholding pens until feedlot personnel arrive early the next morning toprocess them. When ready for processing, the cattle from the holdingpens 186 are directed through the appropriate alleys to the one-waysingle-file chute 22 where they are one-by-one led through the variouschute stations, sequentially, including the get ready station 34, thevideo image measuring station 36, the weighing station 38 and theultrasound measuring station 40. During this process the EID and visualeartags are applied as well, and the measurement data from each of thesestations is transmitted through the appropriate interfaces to the hostcomputer 78 for recording, collection and storage. At the processingstation 42 each animal is implanted with a growth hormone, givenmedication as needed, and dehorned and castrated as needed.

Using available information and data on the group being processed andthe individual animals in the group, an initial optimum end date (OED)is determined, either through calculation by the computer or by theoperator. A marketing target grade for each animal and for the group (anaverage) is also assigned, either by the operator from a list of data orthrough calculation by the computer, depending on the capability of thecomputer program used. In addition, at this point a projected feedintake for each animal is calculated and assigned and used in proratingthe total feed ration used by a group of animals within a single feedpen, so that a fairly accurate cost of feed per animal can be calculatedand assessed to the owner.

Referring to FIG. 36, the process and formulas for calculating “days tofinish” (DTF) are illustrated. Following is an example calculation basedon hypothetical measurements of an animal passing through thesingle-file chute.

Example Calculation

Animal Number 1

Current Weight: 649 lbs

Hip Height: 43.9 in.

Backfat: 0.08 in.

Optimum Finish weight (OFW)

Initial Measurement:

FrameScore=−18.091475+0.03365(649)+1.121666(43.9)−2.003599(649/43.9)−0.012205(43.9)²+13.133611(649(43.9)²)=4.27(rounded to 2 decimal places)

Subsequent Measurement:

NEW_FRAME=((BFDR−0.01253)+(−0.00065) (From DTF MethodOne)=(0.0097689−0.01253)+(−0.00065)=4.25

OFW=(366.7+(33.3*4.24))*2.2=1118 lbs

ConditionScore=2.25447023+37.703047(0.08)−(0.00034966(649)−67.70995853(0.08)²+0.00000507(640)²−0.04374184(649*0.08)+0.00011221((0.08)²*(649)²)−5(rounded to nearest whole number)

Input into Cornell Model: Current Weight, OFW, Condition Score

Output from Cornell Model: ADG=3.34

DTF=(1118-649)÷3.24=145 Days (rounded to nearest whole number)

Referring to FIG. 37, an alternative method of calculating DTF for anindividual animal is disclosed. Following is an example calculationbased on hypothetical measurements taken at two different measuringdates during an animal's feeding period at the feedlot.

Example Calculation

Animal 1

Current Weight: 649 lbs

Hip Height: 43.9 in.

Current backfat: 0.10 in.

Backfat at Reimplant: 0.18 in.

Projected Yield Grade (PYG) Targets=Break between YG2 and YG3

Frame Score 1-6: OBF=0.6 in.; 7-9: OBF−0.2 in.

PYG=Optimum Backfat (OBF)=0.6 in.

Backfat Deposition Rate (BFDR):

First measurement:

Frame Score=−18.091475+0.3365(649)+1.121666(43.9)−2.003599(649/43.9)−0.012205(43.9)²+13.133611(649)(43.9)²)=4.27(rounded to 2 decimal places)

BFDR1=0.01252987−0.0006499982(4.27)=0.0097552

DTF=(Log(0.60)−(Log(0.10))+0.0097552=184 Days (rounded to nearest day)

Subsequent Measurement:

BDFR2=(Log(0.18)−Log(0.10))+60 (Days on Feed (DOF) at reimplanttime)=0.00979644

BDFR2 adjusted if less than 0.000668 or more than 0.01188.

BDFR=((2*BDFR1)+(BDFR2))+3=((2*0.0097552)+0.00979644))+3=(−0.0097689)

NEW_FRAME=(BFDR−0.01253)+(0.0065)=(0.0097689−0.01253)+(−0.00065)−4.25

DTF=(Log(0.60)−Log(0.18))+0.0097689=123 Days (=60−183 Total DOF)

Using the method of FIG. 36, an animal arriving at the feedlot, afterbeing measured in the single-file chute, is calculated to have aprojected DTF of 141 days. This represents the total number of days theanimal is projected to be at the feedlot before it is ready for shipmentto the packing plant. However, according to FIG. 37, the same animalusing the different method of FIG. 37, is calculated to have a DTF of165 days, based on its initial measurements upon arrival at the feedlot.

In Table 1 there are set forth limiting factors to DTF projections basedon maximum and minimum live weight for the animal. An examplecalculation follows. According to the calculation, if a maximum hotcarcass weight of 800 pounds and a minimum hot carcass weight of 500pounds is desired in the end product, the maximum live weight of theanimal should be 1230 pounds and the minimum live weight of the animalshould be limited to 768 pounds. Thus, if the OFW (optimum finishweight) as used in the example calculation following FIG. 36 results ina maximum live weight that exceeds 1230 pounds or a minimum live weightof less than 768 pounds, the maximum or minimum live weights from theexample calculation of Table 1 should be used in the FIG. 36 calculationrather than the optimum finish weight (OFW) originally used.

It will be noted that the formula and calculation of FIG. 36 includes a“Cornell Cattle Systems” formulation. This is a well-known formula inthe cattle industry which includes inputs of OFW, condition score(backfat measurement), current weight, ration, environmental factors,feed additives and input program used.

FIG. 38 shows the calculation and the process of calculating feedproration to each animal as determined following the first set ofmeasurements at the single-file chute. Following is an examplecalculation using the formula and method indicated in the figure.

Example Calculation

Frame Condition Animal # Weight Hip Height Backfat Score Score OFW 85829 45.8 0.14 4.50 6 1136 10 867 47.2 0.18 5.14 6 1183 68 738 43.3 0.23.45 6 1059 36 777 45.2 0.12 4.37 5 1127 Animal # PI*DMI Ratio P1 FeedFed P1 Prorated Feed 85 19.47 0.255646 199.4038866 10 20.13 0.264312206.1633403 68 17.92 0.235294 183.5294118 36 18.64 0.244748 190.9033613Total 76.16 1 780 780 *P1 = Period 1

In the figure DMI indicates dry matter intake for a given feed periodand is indicated hereinafter as (DMI). In the same method of calculationthe ADG indicates the average daily gain for a given animal. All othermeasurements used in the formula will be self-explanatory. As indicatedin the formula, the frame score is determined by a formula using bothhip height and current weight. The condition score for an animal isdetermined using both the backfat measurement and current weight. In theexample, the proration of feed fed in a given period (P1) is calculatedfor each animal. From the calculation a proration ratio is indicated andapplied to the 780 total pounds of feed fed to a pen of four animalsduring the P1 feed period, resulting in a feed period total proration offeed among the four animals as indicated in the last column of thecalculation. It will be noted that of the four animals, the prorationranges from a low of 190.9 pounds to a high of 206.2 pounds. This feedproration formula and calculation is used only for the first feed periodfollowing the first measurement of the animals.

Following the second and subsequent measurements, a different feedproration formula and calculation is used as indicated in FIG. Followingis an example calculation used after remeasurement.

Example Calculation

At remeasurement, use Cornell Cattle Systems to:

1) Recalculate DMI ratios from start of feeding to remeasurement date,by inputting Hip Height, Backfat, Initial Weight, Current Weight, andOFW. These new DMI ratios will be used to reapportion feed consumptionamong the animals in each lot/pen.

2) Calculate DMI ratios to be used from the remeasurement data to thenext measurement to prorate feed to each lot/pen, by inputting HipHeight, Backfat, Current Weight, and OFW. When a final weight iscalculated for each animal (after slaughter), The Cornell Cattle Systemsmodel will be used to determine DMI ratios for each animal toreapportion total feed per pen to calculate individual animalconsumption in each lot/pen. Inputs are Initial Weight, Final Weight,and Condition Score (based on actual Backfat).

Animal # Weight Current Wt Hip Height Backfat FS CS OFW 85 829 1028 45.80.14 4.50 6 1136 10 867 1066 47.2 0.18 5.14 6 1183 68 738 937 43.3 0.23.45 6 1059 36 777 976 43.2 0.12 4.37 5 1127 Feed Prorated NP2 NP FeedNP Prorated Animal # CP¹DMI Ratio Fed Feed DMI Ratio Fed Feed 85 19.470.255646 767 21.13 0.253206 1519 10 20.13 0.264312 793 21.81 0.2613541568 68 17.92 0.235294 706 19.81 0.237388 1424 36 18.64 0.244748 73420.7 0.248053 1488 Total 7616 1 3000 3000 83.45 1 6000 6000 FeedProrated Animal # HCW Actual BF Final Wt. DMI Overall Ratio Fed FeedFeed/Gain 85 716 0.25 1128 20.50 0.25262 2440 8.17 10 745 0.3 1163 21.260.26203 2531 8.54 68 667 0.35 1034 19.22 0.23686 2288 7.72 36 710 0.251118 20.16 0.24849 2400 7.03 81.14 1 9660 9660 ¹CP—Current Period(initial measurement to remeasurement) 2NP—Next Period - DMI ratios tobe used for period from remeasurement to next measurement.

FIG. 40 illustrates how the calculations of DTF from FIGS. 36 and 37(DTF1 and DTF2) can be used to create an average DTF (DTF3) for use inprojecting when an individual animal will be ready to be shipped fromthe feedlot. The numbers used in FIGS. 36, 37 and FIG. 40 arecoefficients that are obtained empirically from experience feedingcattle at a prototype feedlot. The coefficients are defined andcorrelated with the coefficient numbers used, in Table 2.

TABLE 1 Limiting factors to DTF Projections Maximum Live Weight (Max_LW)Minimum Live Weight (Min_LW) Max_LW = (Max_HCW * 1.54) − (OBF *2.540005 * 69.91) + 69.47 Min_LW = (Min_HCW * 1.54) − (OBF * 2.540005 *69.91) + 69.47 Maximum Hot Carcass Weight (Max_HCW): User Input MinimumHot Carcass Weight (Min_HCW): User Input Optimum Backfat (OBF): UserInput Example Calculations User Inputs: Max_HCW: 800 lbs Min_HCW: 500lbs OBF: 0.40 in. for frame score 4 Max_LW = (800 * 1.54) − (0.40 *2.540005 * 69.91) + 69.47 = 1230 lbs Min_LW = (500 * 1.54) − (0/40 *2.540005 * 69.91) + 69.47 = 768 lbs

TABLE 2 DTF Calculation Coefficients Frame - Linear Regression EquationC-1 Intercept for Regression Equation (=18.091475) C-2 Estimate forWeight parameter (0.03365) C-3 Estimate for Hip Height parameter(1.121666) C-4 Estimate for the parameter of Current Weight divided byHip Height (2.003599) C-5 Estimate for the parameter of Hip HeightSquared (−0.012205) C-6 Estimate for the parameter of Current Weightdivided by Hip Height Squared (13.133611) BFDR-1 Linear RegressionEquation C-7 Intercept (0.01252987) C-8 Estimate for Frame ScoreParameter (−0.00064982) BFDR-2 Logarithmic Regression Equation C-9 Lowerlimit fat Deposition Rate (0.00668) C-10 Upper limit Fat Deposition Rate(0.01188) New Frame C-11 Upper Deposition Rate (−0.01253) C-12 LowerDeposition Rate (−0.00065) OBF - Conversion Tables for Frame to Back FatDTF1 - Logarithmic Regression Equation OFW - Regression Equation OFW -Regression Equation C-13 Intercept (366.7) C-14 Estimate for OFW (33.3)C-15 Pounds to Kilogram Conversion Factor (2.2) ADG - Cornell ModelOutput of ADG

The following example illustrates how a final DTF calculation can bemade for determining exactly when an animal should be shipped toslaughter, based on economics (value) and the prior DTF1 and DTF2calculations of FIGS. 36 and 37. FIG. 41 is a graph that plots sellingprice (left-hand vertical line) and backfat on the animal (right-handvertical line) along two different curves, in terms of the number ofdays the animal is on feed (DOF). From the calculations and plotting itis determined, in the example, that the point P4 on the backfat curveshould be selected for shipment of the animal. This is at 140 days intothe feeding period, the most economical point for shipping. Beyond thatpoint, the animal's backfat will exceed 0.7 inches, resulting in theanimal's carcass being degraded and thus becoming less valuable. The P1and P2 end points would result in a carcass with too much backfat. TheP3 endpoint would be below the backfat limit, so the animal can be fedbeyond this point to increase its value.

Example Individual Animal Final DTF Calculation 1) Input: Sex, BeginningWeight, OFW, Mature Weight, Breed, Hide, Age, Number of Head, PurchaseDate, Hip Height, Calculated Frame Score, Initial Back Fat, FleshCondition Code, Ration Composition/Energy, Environmental Factors.

2) Run Cornell Calculation Method One.fwdarw.Outputs for 6 periods onfeed.

Average Weight for Period. Dry Matter Intake for Period. ADG for PeriodDOF for Period 3) Calculation Gain for Period=ADG. DOF Period.

4) Period Feed Cost of Gain=DMI.times.DOF Period.times.Cost PerPound+(Yardage cost per day.times.DOF Period.div.Gain for Period)5) Feed Interest Cost of Gain=Calculated for all except period one6) Cattle Interest Cost of Gain for Period I=Daily interestrate.times.number of days in period=$.div.the gain (calculated byaverage weight for period less initial weight)7) Total nos. 4)+5)+6)=Total incremental Cost of Gain8) Calculate and project for all 6 periods and plot projection graph9) Plot OFW (Mature Weight) on TCOG line at P-1 at 151 DOF to reach 1006pounds (28% Body Fat Target).10) Plot the location where total incremental COG=Selling Price($0.70/lb) on TCOG line at P-2 at 164 DOF to reach 1041 pounds.11) Plot Back Fat Deposition Rate-use Initial Back Fat in the DTF2Method Two calculation to determine the rate. The rate is used tocompound the initial back fat measurement daily for the entire periodand is plotted on the graph as BF.12) Plot the 0.6 BF Target on the Fat deposition rate line at P-3 for0.6 at 123 DOF to reach 920 pounds.13) Final DTF Number in this case is P-4, which is the predeterminedmaximum Back Fat limit which is selected by the computer program. Thisis calculated to be 140 DOF at 975 pounds. The final DTF number cannotbe P-1, P-2 or P-3 because:a) P-1 exceeds Maximum BF to incur a dollar discount.b) P-2 exceeds Maximum BF to incur a dollar discount as well as causingincremental cost of gain to exceed selling price resulting in decreasedprofit.c) P-3 is the original BF target but, since the animal is still makingprofit, it should be fed longer.

As soon as the animal exits the processing station 42 to enter thesorting pen area, the computer 78 has calculated the indicatedcharacteristics of the animal, such as projected OFW, projected ADG,projected DTF and a projected feed proration ratio according to theformula and process outlined in FIG. 38. At this point a sort may or maynot be done as indicated at step 3A of the management process. If a sortis to be done, it would likely be a rough sort by animal type, weight,or OED. At this point it would usually be too early to cull animals fromthe feedlot because there is no performance data yet accumulated on anyanimal.

In the illustration of FIG. 38 the measured and processed animals wouldgo directly to step 4 of the process, which is directly to one of fourfeed pens 188, feed pen A, feed pen B, feed pen C or feed pen D. Therethey would be provided a selected feed ration and water for a selectedperiod that may range from 45-75 days but more typically in the 60-75day range. During this first feeding period each animal's records aremaintained and the cost of the feed ration delivered to each pen wouldbe prorated among the individual animals for assessment to theirrespective owners.

At the end of the first feeding period, two or more of the feed pencattle groups in the feed pens A-D are selected for remeasurement at thesame time. This selection may be based on one or more of several factorssuch as the similarity of their group average OED or DTF, breed type,marketing target yields or other factors. Each animal in the selectedgroups is directed back through, for example, the alley 24 from its feedpen through the gates 26, 28 and back through the alley 12 leading tothe single-file chute. Once within the alley 12, the animals are ledinto two different holding sections of the alley as defined by themanually operated alley gates 14, 16, 18 defining holding sections 190,192. Each of the holding sections 190, 192 is capable of holdingapproximately 40 head of cattle. From the holding section 192 the cattleare led through a hydraulically operated crowd gate 18 into the crowdingsection 32 where cattle are directed one-at-a-time through ahydraulically powered one-way gate 20 leading to a single-file entrancesection 44 into the one-way chute 22.

Then the animals are admitted one at a time and single file into thechute 22 where they are measured externally and internally, and weighedonce again. In the processing section 42 the animals may also bereimplanted with a growth hormone as needed. The measurement data foreach animal is automatically entered into the computer 78 via data entrymeans coupled to the measuring apparatus and there correlated with theEID of the animal.

With the historical data, original measurement data and theremeasurement data for each animal, that animal's performance throughthe first feeding period can be accurately calculated and gauged, muchmore so than with the projected performance data from the originalmeasurements alone. Thus, upon remeasurement, each animal's ADG, OFW andDTF (or OED) is recalculated and used as the basis for a prediction offuture performance and a shipping date or at least shipping window,using the methods previously outlined with respect to FIGS. 36 and 37,and Table 1. In addition, each animal's feed proration is recalculatedusing the method and formula outlined in FIGS. 39 a and 39 b. This givesa much more accurate feed proration for each animal than the initialproration determined according to FIG. 38. This new feed proration willbe used to calculate each animal's feed intake for the next feedingperiod. Of course, for the indicated calculations, both the rate ofweight gain (ADG) and the total amount of change (gain) and the fat (fatdeposition rate) and external dimensions (frame, muscular growth) areused in calculating the new projected DTF and OEW for each animal.

At the same time, each animal's DTF as calculated is checked against anydrug withdrawal and safe-to-ship information available from the healthhistory of the animal, also stored in the computer system according tothe system described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505. AnyOED or DTF calculated by the computer or otherwise would be adjusted asdictated by the drug withdrawal and safe-to-ship information from theanimal health system and prior to any assignment of the animal to anyparticular sort group. This drug withdrawal and safe-to-ship check mightbe done either by computer or manually by the operator. Also before anygrowth promotant drug or implant is administered to the animal in theprocessing station, a decision would be made on whether to administer atall based on the calculated DTF or OED, drug cost, and efficacy. Inshort, no growth promotant drug need be given if the animal is predictedto remain in the feedlot for only a short time following aremeasurement.

As each animal leaves the single-file chute, the computer has determinedits sort group and allocated a particular sort pen in which to direct itfrom the chute. Steps 6 and 7 of the diagram of FIG. 18 represent asorting procedure that may be used following a remeasurement.Essentially, each animal is directed to one of the seven sort pens ofFIG. 16 temporarily. Each of the seven sort pens indicated in step 6will receive animals selected according to seven different sort groups.The sort group to which a particular animal is assigned may be based onany one or more of several parameters but most likely will be based ontheir OED or DTF, their visual scores, their weights, their physicalcondition, or a combination thereof.

In the illustration of FIG. 18 there are seven sort groups. These aredesignated, “sort group 1,” “sort group 2,” “flex group,” “earlies,”“lates,” “reruns,” and “trash.” Before the sorting procedure is over instep 6, these seven sort groups will be reduced to four, consisting of“sort group 1,” “sort group 2,” “earlies,” and “lates.” Each of thosefour groups will then be directed, in turn, according to step 8, intoone of the four feed pens A, B, C or D according to their sort groups.Feed pens A-D in all likelihood will be the same feed pens as used instep 4.

To explain the sort groups further, “reruns” are cattle for which one ormore measurements are missing or a process was omitted after a firstpass through the single-file chute. As a result, cattle sorted into sortpen 1 as reruns will be run again through the single-file chute andthere sorted into one of the other six groups, as indicated in step 7.

The “earlies” group consists of cattle that are predicted to haveearlier OED's or DTF's than the rest of the cattle being sorted. Inother words, they are predicted to have shipping dates to the packingplant considerably earlier than the cattle in the other groups. Asindicated, cattle in the earlies group will be directed from sort pen 2in step 6 to feed pen A in step 8. It should be noted that some of thereruns from sort pen 1, after being rerun, may end up in the earliesgroup of sort pen 2 and be eventually directed into feed pen A.

Sort pen 6, consisting of the “lates” group, includes cattle that arepredicted to have late shipping dates (DTF's or OED's), as compared tothe other groups. As indicated in the diagram of FIG. 18, the latesgroup will be directed from sort pen 6 to feed pen D. The lates groupmay eventually include some of the reruns of sort pen 1 after the rerunsare passed again through the single-file chute.

The “trash” group is composed of non-performing or poorly performingcattle and are sorted into sort pen 7. These are cattle that have poorADG's or other physical problems, such as circulatory or respiratorydamage, that render them unsuitable for beef production or that areunprofitable to keep in the feedlot. Cattle in the trash group areculled from the rest of the animals, removed from the feedlot and soldas salvage.

The three remaining groups are sort group 1, sort group 2 and the flexgroup. Whatever the parameters being used to sort, the flex groupconsists of animals that are close to the dividing line between sortgroup 1 and sort group 2. For example if sorting is by weight and sortgroup 1 consists of a range of lighter weight animals and sort group 2 arange of heavier weight animals, the flex group consists of animals thatare somewhere in a weight range between the two principal sort groups.

For example, after a first pass through the single-file chute, sortgroup 1 might include 20 animals and sort group 2 might include 17animals. The purpose of the flex group is to even out the number ofanimals in each of sort groups 1 and 2. In the given example, if thereare 10 animals in the flex group, they would be resorted by sending themthrough the single-file chute again and redistributing them into eithersort group 1 or sort group 2 according to weight. As a result of thisresorting process with respect to the flex group, eventually there areno remaining animals in the flex group, as they have all beenredistributed to either sort group 1 or sort group 2. In the givenexample, where sort group I originally includes 20 animals, sort group 217 animals and the flex group 10 animals, eventually sort group 1 mayend up with 24 animals, sort group 2 with 23 animals and the flex groupwith none. When the flex group has been redistributed, the animals insort groups 1 and 2 are directed respectively to feed pens B and C.

Flex sorting is a method of sorting a group of random animals into sortgroups of predetermined size and quantity. The particular measurementthat is used for ordering is of minor importance to the flex sortingmethod, but some examples are current weight, finish date, and finishweight. To achieve this sort, an ordered list of animals is maintainedas the data is collected, a sort group is assigned based on the positionwithin the ordered list. As the sorting starts, insufficient data willexist to make reasonable sort decisions, so animals are placed in a flexgroup until enough data has been collected to be representative of thewhole population. This sample size is expressed as a percent of thetotal population, and is configurable. Other animals that will also beplaced in the flex group are ones that are too close to the splitbetween sort groups to be certain to which group they belong. This areaof uncertainty is defined by flex percent value, it is also configurableand is expressed as a percent of the data range (i.e. maximumvalue-minimum value). At the completion of sorting, the animals in theflex group are processed again, this time since all information is knownabout the population the correct sort decision can be made.

Example

Setup parameters: Total Population 5 head Sort Distribution 2 groupsFirst Group 2 head (40% of total) Second Group 3 head (60% of total)Sample Size 30% Flex Percent 10%Sample weight data 625, 600, 675, 610, 6401. First weight is 625, add to ordered list, compute new median, and thearea of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 625 1^(st) element 625 N/ASince the number of weights (1) is less than sample size (1.5=*0.3) putthis weight in flex group.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 6252. Next weight is 600, add this weight to the ordered list, compute newmedian, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((2 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (1 & 2) (625 − 600) * 0.1 625 or between 1 & 2 or 612.5 + or −2.5Since the number of weights (2) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. The area ofuncertainty is 610 to 615, the new weight is not in this area and isless than the median, so it belongs in sort group one.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 6253. Next weight is 675, add this weight to the ordered list, compute newmedian, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((3 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (1 & 2) (675 − 600) * 0.1 625 or between 1 & 2 or 612.5 + or −7.5

Since the number of weights (3) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. The area ofuncertainty is 605 to 620, the new weight is not in this area and isgreater than the median, so it belongs in sort group two.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 6254. Next weight is 610, add this weight to the ordered list, computelist, compute new median, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((4 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) (675 − 600) * 0.1 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 + or − 7.5625 675

Since the number of weights (4) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. The area ofuncertainty is 610 to 625, the new weight is in this area and must beplaced in the flex group.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 625 6105. The last weight is 640, add this weight to the ordered list, computenew median, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((5 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) (675 − 600) * 0.1 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 + or − 7.5625 640 675

Since the number of weights (5) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. This area ofuncertainty is 610 to 625, the new weight is not in this area and isgreater than the median, so it belongs in sort group two.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 625 640 6106. Now it is time to do the flex pen, the first weight of 625 is alreadyin the ordered list so we only need to determine which group it belongsin.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((5 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) None 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 625 640 675Since there is no area of uncertainty and the current weight is greaterthan the median, it belongs in group two.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 610 640 6257. Now the last flex weight of 610 is already in the ordered list so weonly need to determine which group it belongs to.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((5 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) None 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 625 640 675Since there is no area of uncertainty and the current weight is lessthan the median, it belongs in group one.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 610 640 625

The above example demonstrates a two-way sort, but it can sort anynumber of ways. For an n-way sort there are (n−1) median locationswithin the ordered list to keep track of, but only one flex pen isneeded to hold the animals that we are uncertain about. Also, in theexample given, the sort was done without any errors or animals in thewrong pen. It is possible for the sort to end up with a different headcount in the sort group than expected, or for some head to be in thewrong pen based on their sorting measurement. These mistakes occurmostly at the splits between two sort groups, and involve animals withvery close measurements. One thing that should be pointed out is thatthis sorting method, like a lot of other sorting methods, performsbetter if the data is random. The worst possible scenario is for thedata to already be sorted either ascending or descending.

One additional feature of this sorting method is the ability to have ahuman make subjective sort decisions, such as color, before runningthrough the flex sort, in effect having two flex sort sessions runningconcurrently.

With the animals in feed pens A, B, C and D for the second portion ofthe feeding period as indicated in step 8, they may remain in theirrespective pens until they are ready for shipment. During this secondfeeding period of typically 60-80 days, selected animals or selectedgroups of animals may again be remeasured and resorted through thesingle-file chute and sorting pens if desired or economically feasible.For example the timeline of FIG. 14 indicates two remeasurements andresorts during the feeding period. However FIG. 18 illustrates a singleremeasuring and single uniformity sort more like the procedure outlinedin FIG. 15A. All of the animals in feed pens A-D have new and moreaccurate pro rata feed intake ratios assigned to them using the methodoutlined in FIG. 39 a and FIG. 39 b, including data such as ADG, gain,external and internal measurements and other factors. Individual animalrecords are maintained for each animal during its remaining period oftime in the feedlot. Additional weight checks or other measurements maybe used to monitor actual performance during this second portion of thefeeding period to confirm or modify the OED or DTF of each animal.

Also, as indicated in FIG. 15C, after a certain period within feed pensA-D, one or more of the groups may be sent to pen sorters such as pensorter 94 in FIG. 13 for finish feeding for the time that these groupswill be within their marketing window. This approach allows for“fine-tuning” of the optimum date of shipment for each individual animalbased on market conditions and the individual animal's performance inits final days at the feedlot. This selection process, whetheraccomplished visually, by weight checks or by final feeding in a pensorter, involves the selection process as indicated in step 8A forshipment of the animal to the packing plant. In the case of a pensorter, this would involve sorting the animal selected for shipment fromthe feeding pen portion of the sorter to the shipping pen portion, aspreviously described.

Animals may be selected for shipment based on a selected marketing groupof animals having the same average OED's or DTF's or on an individualanimal basis, depending on how finely tuned the selection processdesired. The selection process may be performed visually, by computer orby repeated weight checks as previously described.

Step 9 of the management system involves shipping the selected animalsto the packing plant 156. At the packing plant, the animals areslaughtered for production of beef products for consumption. At thepacking plant, the EID tag on each live animal is read and transferredby computer to match the identification on the resulting carcass so thatthe carcass data can be matched to the live animal performance andhistory data.

At the packing plant, the EID tags are removed from the animals andshipped in a container to a reconditioning operation where they arecleaned, tested and sorted for delivery back to the proper feedlot. Thecarcass data and the disbursements of funds breakdown for the originalowners of the animals in a marketing group are transmitted to theappropriate feedlot. This data may also be transmitted to the originalcattle producers for use in improving the genetics of the animals forfuture beef production.

The feed proration flow charts of FIGS. 38, 39 a and 39 b have beendiscussed. Following each table is an example calculation using theformulas and flow diagrams set forth in the figures. These examples setforth the data output from the computer when provided with software forcarrying out the calculations set forth in FIGS. 38, 39 a and 39 b. Theexamples are for four animals identified as animals nos. 85, 10, 68 and36. From the examples it will be seen that animal No. 85 had a startingweight of 829 pounds and a calculated optimum finish weight of 1136pounds. During the initial feeding period P1 the ratio of feed allocatedto it was 0.255646, so that out of a total of 780 pounds of feed fedduring the first feeding period, 199.4038866 pounds of feed was proratedto it for allocating feed charges. During the next current period CP,the same ratio was used to prorate a total of 3,000 pounds of feed amongthe four animals, with 767 pounds being allocated to animal No. 85.However from the subsequent calculation, the DMI ratio for animal 85,based on remeasurements and original measurements, changed to 0.253206.As a result, animal 85 in the next feeding period ended up with 1,519pounds of feed prorated to it out of a total of 6,000 pounds. It willalso be noted from the calculations and data output from the computerthat animal No. 85, when remeasured, had a weight of 1,028 pounds, upfrom an 829 pound initial weight. It also ended up with an actual weightof 1,128 pounds at final measurement compared to an original calculatedoptimum finish weight of 1,136 pounds.

When the four animals finally left the feedlot, their DMI numbersoverall were recalculated to adjust their overall DMI ratios, resultingin a reallocation of the total feed fed to each animal. Animal No. 85had 2,440 pounds of feed allocated to it out of a total of 9,660 pounds,based on its recalculated overall feed ratio of 0.25262. The final dataoutput from the feed proration calculations is a ratio of feed to weightgain for each animal. Animal No. 85 ended up with a feed to weight gainratio of 8.17, second highest in the group of four animals considered.

FIG. 19 is a general block diagram of the data inputs and data outputsto the host computer system 78. There are two categories of inputs,including the group input category 194 and the individual animal inputrepresented by interface 196. The individual prior history of eachanimal is entered upon each animal's arrival at the feedlot, asindicated by the prior history input 198. Such prior history wouldinclude each animal's date of birth and its genetic background. Alsoentered at initial processing and on subsequent remeasurements would beeach animal's weight, hip height, backfat and hide condition asindicated at input 200. These measurements are obtained at thesingle-file chute in the manner previously described. These individualinputs in turn are transmitted by cable or radio frequency means to thehost computer 78 for storage and use in calculating the previouslydiscussed formulas. Group information when transmitted to the computerwould include prior history data such as average daily gain while in thepasture and the group condition score, visually estimated at the time ofarrival at the feedlot. Other information would include the sex, age,breed and hide thickness breakdown for the animals in the group. These“cattle factors” are also input into the computer through data entrymeans indicated at 204 and the group input interfaces 194.

Environmental factors such as air temperature, wind, and pen conditionswhere the animals came from are also collected and entered through dataentry means 206 into the group input interface 194.

Management factors for each group including implants, ionophores andprocessing information, are collected and input through data entry means210 into the computer through the group input interfaces 194. Finally,feed factors, such as ration composition, are input through data entrymeans 215 and the group input interfaces 194 into the host computer 78.

Market factors are also part of the data used to calculate the desiredcomputer outputs, such factors including purchase price, cattle futures,basis and premium/discounts for the animals in the group. These marketfactors are entered through data entry means 192 and the group inputinterface 194 into the host computer 78.

With the data collected as described, and the appropriate software, thecomputer system is able to calculate, using formulas such as the onesdisclosed in FIGS. 36, 37, 38, 39 a, 39 b, and Table 1, such outputs asa projected date to finish (DTF), optimum end weight (OEW), andprojected end points such as finish weight, hot carcass weight, yieldgrade, and USDA quality grade. The computer system also calculates areturn on investment including cost, incomes and profit as indicated at218.

Examples of the type of data collected, calculated, stored and availablein reports generated by the computer system are shown in Tables 3A-3G.

Table 3A, the cattle received report by load, has already beendiscussed. It discloses the information available from the producer andentered into the computer through appropriate data entry means upon thearrival of a load of cattle at the feedlot. This is a “group” report andis the sort of information entered into the computer as indicated atdata entry means 203, 204 and 206 of FIG. 19.

Table 3B is a pen assignment summary report, which is another group typereport and gives the sorting pen assignments 1-7 for lot No. 495 ofcattle that is to be fed in pens 59, 57 and 58. The number of head ofcattle in each pen 10, 11 and 11 for sorting pens 1, 2 and 4 and feedpens 59, 57 and 58 is given. This information is available from thecomputer after at least one measurement and sort of a lot of animals.

Still referring to Table 3B, the remaining data in the pen assignmentsummary report should be self-explanatory, giving information concerningthe projected finish weight, the current weight, the frame size andcurrent backfat measurements, on average, for the animals in feed pens59, 57 and 58. In addition to the averages for each of the indicatedmeasurements, the pen assignment summary report also gives maximum andminimum ranges for the animals in each sort group.

Table 3C is a sample of a pen assignment detail report generated by thecomputer system. This report indicates the lot number, the feed pennumber, the sort pen number, and the EID tag number of each of the 11animals in feed pen 57. The report also indicates that the animals inthis feed pen have a shipping window ranging from May 14, 1994 to Sep.28, 1994, indicating that the animals in this group are expected toreach their optimum condition, such as optimum finish weight, sometimewithin this window. The pen assignment detail report also givesindividual animal measurements and calculations including video imagedimensions (VID), and projected days to finish (DTF) which is the numberof days the animal is projected to require to reach its optimum finishweight. Also indicated is the projected optimum finish weight (OFW), theanimal's current weight (CWT), and each animal's average daily gain(ADG). Finally, the pen assignment detail report gives each animal'sframe measurement score (FM) and backfat measurement (BF).

Because of the amount of information available for each animal in eachfeed pen in the feedlot, and at any time during the animal's stay in thefeedlot, it will be readily appreciated how animals can be selected, onan individual basis if desired, for shipment to the packing plant wheneach animal is in optimum condition for shipment. Simply by takingrepeated measurements of each animal as it nears its projected shippingdate or optimum finish weight, animals can be selected for shipment andslaughter based on their individual performances and market factorsrather than the performances of any particular group, if desired.

Table 3D and Table 3E are marketing yard sheets that the computer systemcan generate for each animal in the feedlot. The marketing yard sheet ofTable 3D is for the same group of animals as the marketing yard sheet ofTable 3E. However the yard sheet of Table 3D gives individual animaldata for lot No. 495 of animals on the measurement date of Mar. 30,1994, while Table 3E gives the data for the same animals in lot No. 495approximately three weeks later, on Apr. 22, 1994.

As will be seen by the columns in the marketing yard sheets, each animalis identified by tag number, pen number and lot number. Additional dataavailable in the other columns of both marketing yard sheets includevarious projections that have been calculated for each animal, acomparison of purchase weight and current weight for each animal, dayson feed (DOF) information for each animal, the ration information thatapplies to each animal, average daily gain (ADG) information for eachanimal and feed intake information for each animal. Finally, theprojected and actual cost information based on various treatments,processing and other factors for each animal is listed.

Table 3F is a sample of a pen closeout report generated by the computersystem as a result of the various inputs, including measurement inputsfor each animal and each group of animals. This gives the income andexpense information for a pen of animals, broken down to an average costper head, including feed charges, cattle insurance, yardage fees andprocessing fees. Other pen information included in the pen closeoutreport includes such information as total pounds gained by all animalsin the pen, broken down to an average gain per head. Also included areaverage daily gain for each animal, daily feed costs per head, dailytotal costs per head, total pounds of feed fed for the pen and totalpounds per head. Also included is average daily consumption data. Otherinformation includes the cost of the feed fed.

In the summary at the bottom of the pen closeout report, the profit orloss from the pen is given. In the sample, there was no profit for theindicated pen, which included 10 heifers. Based on the summary, the 10heifers in the pen had an average incoming weight of 678 pounds and anaverage outgoing weight of 787 pounds. Each gained an average of 3.21pounds per day for a total of 34 days on feed. The cost of the gain was$56.21.

The final sample report is shown in Table 3G which is a Closeout SummaryBy Lot report. In this case the lot number is 42894, which was includedin pen 553, containing a total of 27 head. The total profit for the lotwas $4,957.98. Each animal in the report is identified by its visualidentification tag number (VID) and the profit from each animal iscalculated. In addition, each animal's performance during its stay inthe feedlot is calculated. Each animal is listed under its sire and dam.This sort of information is valuable to the cattle producer indetermining which sires and dams produce the most profitable offspring.This information is then used in making future breeding decisions.

A layout of the computer system is shown in FIG. 17. Several differentcomputers are used in the system. First there is a feedlot businesssystems (FBS) computer 230 located at the feedlot office 232. Thiscomputer stores the databases used in the system and performs most ofthe calculations needed in operating the system.

Remote from the FBS computer and closer to the chute area 22 are aseparate process control computer 234 and an ultrasound computer 236within a common control cabinet 238. Separate from the control cabinetand the other computers is a video computer 240.

Basically, the process control computer 234 controls the operation ofall subsystems including the stall and sorting gates, weigh scale,ultrasound computer and the video computer. The process control computercommunicates with the FBS computer through the modems 241, 242, line 244and FBS interface 246. The ultrasound computer 236 communicates with theprocess control computer 234 through a line 248. The ultrasound computer236 also has an output line 250 to a backfat monitor 252 and an inputline 254 from the ultrasound scanner 256 at the single-file chute stall40.

The video computer 240 communicates with the process control computer234 through a commline 258. It also has an output line 260 to a videomonitor 262, and input lines 264, 266 to video cameras, including anoverhead camera 268 and a side-view camera 270.

Each animal is weighed by a scale loadcell 272 at the weigh stall 38.The loadcell communicates with the scale 274 through a line 276. Thescale in turn communicates with the process control computer through aline 278 and data split 280. Data from the data split also can becommunicated via line 282 and a modem 284 and line 286 directly to theFBS computer 230 through the FBS interface 246.

Data concerning drugs, other animal health treatments and otherinformation about an individual animal at the processing station orstall 42 can be entered into an animal health computer or monitor 288 atthe processing station and from there communicated directly through themodem 290 and line 292 and interface 246 to the FBS computer.

As previously noted, each animal has an EID tag applied to it in thesingle-file chute to give each animal a unique electronicidentification. This identification is transmitted from the EID tag by aprobe antenna 294 at the EID/USBF stall 40 through a line 296 from thechute to a tiris relay 298 and from the relay through a line 300 to atiris EID reader 302. The tiris reader 302 transmits the animal's EIDidentification through a line 304 to the process control computer 234.Alternatively, each animal's EID tag signal can be received by a hangingantenna 306 at the single-file chute and transmitted via line 308 to thetiris relay 298 and thence through line 300 to the tiris reader 302 andthrough the line 304 to the process control computer 234.

The FBS computer not only collects data and uses it to calculateprojections, costs and other information used in the management methodand system, it also collects data from other sources not shown. Forexample, the FBS computer performs the regular feedlot accountingfunctions and generates financial reports. It may also receive and storedata from a computerized animal drug inventory control and animal healthhistory and drug treatment system as disclosed in the previouslymentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505. The FBS computer may also collect andstore data from a computerized feed additive delivery system such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,971 and the related patents previouslymentioned. The FBS computer may also receive and store data concerningthe amount of feed ration delivered to each of the feed pens in afeedlot, including such data collected from a computerized bunk readersystem such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,821. All suchinformation, including the drug usage information, feed ration usageinformation, and feed additive usage information can be used togetherwith the data concerning each animal collected from the system and otherdata that may be collected and stored in the FBS computer database toprorate feed ration and feed additive costs to individual animals andthereby calculate the cost of production value and other pertinentinformation about each animal in the feedlot according to variousformulas, a few of which are disclosed as examples and discussed.

Tables 4A-4E are sample pages of prompts that are generated by thecomputer programs that are used in the computer system 78 that operatesthe described system. The described management system is known as theelectronic cattle management system (ECM) which is the computer symbolused to initiate the program. The ECM program includes four sessiontypes, one of which is entered to begin the system's operation. In Table4B it will be seen that certain animal measurements can be keyed in,automatically entered or not recorded.

Item 7 in Table 4B gives the prompts for entering the type of sortingthat is desired such as, for example, a flex sort as previouslydescribed.

At the top of Table 4C, the prompts for entering the number of animalsto be sorted into the various sort pens are indicated.

Table 4D lists the various prompts for processing each animal at thesingle-file chute. By entering the proper prompt, the computer can beinstructed to process the identified animal in a particular way such asby weight, by reading its EID, by ultrasound measurement and/or bytaking external video measurements.

Additional prompts for setting the parameters for measuring and sortingare given in Table 4E and 4F.

The electronic cattle management system can use a number of differentcomputer programs to run the system as described, the operation andsequencing of which are all controlled by the previously describedprocess control computer 234 shown in FIG. 17. These programs will nowbe described with reference to their respective flow charts.

First, control of the operation of the entrance and exit gates at thevarious stalls or stations in the single file chute will be described.First with reference to FIG. 20A, the get-ready station 34 in thesingle-file chute includes the entrance or tail gate 46 and the exit orhead gate 48 defining the stall. Within the stall are three sensorsincluding a tail sensor 310, a fill sensor 312 and a head sensor 314.These sensors, which may be photoelectric sensors or some otherautomatic sensors, detect the presence of an animal within the stallspace, and when all three sensors detect the presence of an animal, theanimal will be contained within the space, whereupon the tail gate 46can be closed after being opened initially to allow entrance of theanimal into the stall space. FIG. 20A also indicates the direction oftravel of the animal through the single-file chute and the stall spaceas indicated by the arrow 316.

Referring now to FIG. 20B, the computer program for controlling theoperation of the tail and head gates 46, 48 is disclosed. This computerprogram resides in the process control computer 234 of FIG. 17. Althoughnot shown, obviously the sensors associated with the get ready stall andall other stations in the single-file chute and the sort pens, to bedescribed, are in communication with the process control computer.

First the program is conditioned by another program to be described toget ready to receive the next animal that will proceed through thesingle file chute, as indicated at step 318. At this point, if the fillsensor is off as indicated at 320, the program assumes that the getready stall is empty and so commands that the head gate be closed asindicated at step 322. Then the program commands opening of the tailgate 324 to allow the next animal to enter the get ready stall. Afterthe tail gate opens, the program waits until the fill sensor at 326detects the presence of an animal in the stall. The program thenproceeds to the next step to detect when the tail sensor is turned off,at step 328. When this occurs, the program commands closing of the tailgate at step 330. If at step 326 the fill sensor does not detect thepresence of an animal, the tail gate will not close. Also, as indicatedat 328, if the tail sensor remains on, the tail gate will not close.Only when the fill sensor is on and the tail sensor is off can the tailgate close.

After the tail gate closes, the program inquires at step 332 whether thenext station, namely the video station 36, is ready for the next animal.At this point nothing happens until the processing computer receives anindication that the video station is ready for the next animal. Whenthis occurs, the program, as step 334, signals the video computer 240 toget ready for the next animal. At this point the head gate 48 is openedas indicated at 336. The program then inquires at step 338 as to whetherthe fill sensor 312 in the get ready stall is off and at step 340whether the head sensor is off. When both the fill sensor 312 and thehead sensor 314 are off, indicating that an animal has left the getready stall and entered the video stall, the program commands the headgate 48 to reclose as indicated at step 322, and then commands the tailgate at step 324 to reopen to ready the stall for the next animal.

Referring to FIG. 21A, after the animal leaves the get ready stall 34 itwalks through the video stall 36 where it is scanned for externaldimensions, and proceeds, without stopping, through the open tail gate50 directly into the EID/scale stall 38 where the animal is weighed andan EID tag is applied to the animal if necessary and read to identifyit. Because of the continuous movement of the animal through the videostall, there are no tail, fill or head sensors in that stall. Howeverthe subsequent EID/scale stall requires the animal to stop while it isweighed. Thus, both the tail gate 50 and the head gate 52 must be closedwhile the animal is contained within the EID/scale stall, identified andweighed. Thus such stall includes a tail sensor 342, a fill sensor 344and a head sensor 346, all of which communicate with the process controlcomputer. Again, the direction of travel of the animal is indicated bythe arrow 316.

Referring to FIG. 21B, the computer program for operating the tail gate50 and head gate 52 at the EID/scale station is disclosed. As an animalproceeds through the video stall 36, tail gate 50 will be open if theEID/scale station is ready for the next animal, which will be determinedby whether or not the head gate of such station is closed and its fillsensor and head sensors 344, 346 are off. At this point, the EID/scalestation computer program 348 is initialized and ready to start itssequence of operation. First, at step 350, the program inquires whetherthe fill sensor 344 is off. If so, it commands the head gate 52 to closeat step 352. Thereafter, at step 354 the tail gate 50 is commanded toopen, allowing the next animal to enter the EID/scale stall. Next theprogram, at step 356, inquires whether the fill sensor is on. If so, itinquires at step 358 whether the tail sensor is off. If so, at step 360,the program commands the tail gate 50 to reclose, whereupon the animalis ready to be weighed and have its EID tag attached if necessary, andread.

With the animal in the EID/scale stall, the program inquires at step 362whether an EID identification of the animal is required. If so, theprocess control computer 234 is commanded to attempt to read the tirisEID reader 302 at step 364. If no EID is required, the program nextinquires whether a weight is required at step 366. If so, the processcontrol computer at step 368 is commanded to read the animal's weightfrom the scale 274. After this, or if no weight is required, the programwill inquire at step 370 whether a hip-height measurement of the animalis required. If so, the process control computer is commanded at step372 to read and record the video measurements communicated from thevideo computer 240. After the measurements are recorded, if required,the program inquires at step 374 whether measurements are complete. Ifnot, the program will return to step 362 and again proceed through theprogram to attempt to read the video measurements. Once the measurementshave been recorded, the program proceeds at step 376 to inquire whetherthe next station, namely the ultrasound station 40, is ready for thenext animal. Unless the next station is ready for the animal, the headgate 52 will not open. When the next station signals that it is ready,through the process control computer, the head gate 52 is commanded toopen at step 378. Next, the program inquires whether the fill sensor 344is off, at step 380. If not, the program will not proceed to the nextstep and reclose the head gate. When the fill sensor is off, the programinquires whether the head sensor is off. If the head sensor is off,indicating that the animal has left the EID/scale stall, the programcommands the process control computer to reclose the head gate 52. Atthis point the weighed and identified animal will have entered theultrasound stall 40, and the program returns to step 352 to commandreclosing the head gate in preparation for the next animal.

Referring to FIG. 22A, the ultrasound station 40 is disclosed as havinga tail sensor 384, a fill sensor 386 and a head sensor 388. It alsoincludes the tail gate 52, which is the same gate 52 that serves as thehead gate for the preceding EID/scale stall 38. It also includes thehead gate 54 which serves as the tail gate for the next processing stall42. Again, the direction of travel of the animal through the ultrasoundstation and through the single-file chute is indicated by the arrow 316.

Referring now to FIG. 22B, the computer program for controlling theoperation of the gates and thus the animal within the ultrasound stationis indicated at 390. Once initiated, it first inquires at step 392whether the fill sensor 386 is off. If not, because the preceding animalhas not yet left the station, the program will return to determinewhether the animal has not yet completed its ultrasound scan. However,assuming that the preceding animal has left the ultrasound station andthe head gate 54 is closed, the program commands at step 394 that thehead gate be cracked open. Then at step 396 the program commands theprocessing computer to open the tail gate. When the tail gate is opened,the program inquires whether the fill sensor is on, at step 398. If so,indicating that the next animal has entered the ultrasound station, theprogram inquires whether the tail sensor is off, at step 400. When thetail sensor goes off, the computer program instructs the computer toclose the tail gate, at step 402, whereupon the next animal is fullywithin the ultrasound station and ready to be prepared for measurement.Once the tail gate is closed, the program inquires at step 404 whetherthe head catcher is to be employed to stabilize the animal in thestation. If it is, the program inquires whether the head sensor is on atstep 406. If it is, the program, at step 408, commands closing of thehead gate.

Once the head gate is closed, the program at step 410 inquires whetherthe animal is to be “squeezed” within the station. This has reference tothe device at the station commonly referred to as a “squeeze gate,”which in effect squeezes the animal from behind into tight confinementwithin the stall so that it cannot move to any appreciable extent. Ifthe answer is yes, the squeeze gate at 412 is commanded to close at step412. If the answer is no, the squeeze gate is not actuated. In eithercase, the next programming sequence is an inquiry as to whether theanimal's backfat is to be measured, at step 414. If the answer is yes,the program will attempt to take a reading from the ultrasound computerat step 416 to record the backfat measurement. If the answer is no, theprogram inquires whether all measurements are completed at step 418.This is also the next step after a backfat ultrasound reading isattempted at step 416. If the answer is no, the program will againattempt to take a backfat measurement. If the answer is yes, the programinquires whether the next station in the chute is ready for the animal,at step 420. If not, nothing further happens until the next station isready for the animal. When that occurs, the head gate 54 is commanded toopen at step 422. When the head gate is open, the program inquires atstep 424 whether the fill sensor is off. If not, nothing further happensuntil the fill sensor is off. When that occurs, the program inquires atstep 426 whether the head sensor is off. If not, nothing further happensuntil the head sensor is off. When that occurs, the program returns tostep 394 to cause the head gate to crack, ready for the next animal.

Referring to FIG. 23A, the animal proceeds from the ultrasound station40 into the processing station 42 through the head gate 54 of theultrasound station, which becomes the tail gate 54 of the processingstation. Within the processing station are three sensors, a tail sensor428, a fill sensor 430 and a head sensor 432.

Referring to FIG. 23B, the computer program for the processing station,indicated at 434, first inquires whether the fill sensor 430 is off, atstep 436. If not, the head gate 56 will not close until the fill sensordoes indicate that the preceding animal has left the processing station.When the fill sensor is off, head gate 56 is commanded to close at step438 and the tail gate 54 is commanded to open at step 440 to admit thenext animal into the processing station.

Next, the program inquires whether the fill sensor is on at step 442. Ifnot, nothing further happens until the fill sensor is on. When thatoccurs, the program inquires whether the tail sensor 428 is off, at step444. If the tail sensor is not off, the tail gate 54 will not close.When the tail sensor is off, indicating that the animal is completelywithin the processing station, the tail gate 54 is commanded to close atstep 446. When the tail gate is closed the program, at step 448,inquires whether there is to be a head catch. If the answer is yes, theprogram inquires at step 450 whether the head sensor 432 is on. If not,nothing further happens until the head sensor is on. If the answer isyes, the head gate 56 is closed at 452 to catch the animal's head.

Next, the program inquires whether the animal is to be squeezed by thesqueeze gate within the processing station, at step 454. If not, theprogram proceeds to the next processing sequence. If the answer is yes,the squeeze gate at the processing station is commanded to close at step456 to confine the animal within the station. After the squeeze gate isclosed, the program proceeds to the next processing sequence.

The next inquiry, at step 458, is whether the animal needs to beidentified by its EID. If the answer is yes, the program instructs theprocess control computer at step 460 to attempt to read anidentification from the tiris. Nothing further happens until the animalis identified. When the animal has been identified or if noidentification is needed, the program inquires whether a sort pen forthe animal is required, at step 462. If not, a status light on a controlpanel (not shown) at the processing station is commanded to indicate, atstep 464, that the animal is ready to be released from the single-filechute.

If a sort pen is required, the program at step 466 inquires whether theanimal data has been sent to the FBS computer. If the answer is no, thedata is sent to the FBS computer, at step 468. If the animal data hasalready been sent to the FBS computer, the program bypasses step 468 andattempts to read the correct sort pen for the animal as determined bythe FBS computer at step 470. The program then returns to the sort penrequired inquiry step 462. If a sort pen is still required then the justdescribed steps are repeated. If a sort pen identity is not required,then the program proceeds on through the sequence and the ready torelease status light is illuminated on the aforementioned control panel.

Thereafter, an operator must manually press a release button to releasean animal from the single-file chute into the alley between the sortpens. At this point the computer inquires whether the release button hasbeen pushed, at step 472. If the answer is no, nothing further happensuntil the release button is pushed. When the release button has beenpushed, the program inquires whether the sort pen is ready, at step 474.If not, nothing further happens until either the release button ispushed or the sort pen is ready. When the sort pen is ready, head gate56 is commanded to open, at step 476. When the head gate is open, theprogram inquires whether the fill sensor is off, at step 478. If not,nothing further happens until the fill sensor is off. When it is off,the program next inquires whether the head sensor is off, at step 480.If not, nothing further happens until the head sensor is off. When it isoff, the program returns to step 438 to close the head gate and preparethe stall for the next animal.

Referring now to FIG. 24A, the seven sort pens and their respectivesorting pen entrance gates 62 are illustrated schematically. Thedirection of travel of the animals through the alley 60 between the tworows of sorting pens is indicated by the arrow 316 as they leave thesingle-file chute indicated generally at 22.

FIG. 24B is a flow diagram of the computer program 482 for operating thesort pen entrance gates 62. The first step in the programming sequenceis to make sure all sort pen gates are closed at step 484. Next, theprogram at step 486 inquires of the process control computer whether asort pen is requested. If not, nothing further happens and the sort pengates remain closed, and each animal would travel through the alley 60to an appropriate feed pen through the open gate 62 of feed pen 7 asindicated in FIG. 24A.

If a sort pen is requested, the designated sort pen is commanded to openat 488. When the sort pen gate is open the program inquires whether thesort pen gate sensor (not shown) has been tripped, at step 490. When thesort pen gate sensor is tripped, it would indicate that an animal hasentered the sort pen through the open gate. The sort pen sensor, such asa photocell, would be located at the gate entrance so that its beamwould be interrupted when an animal passes through the entrance into thepen with the gate open. After the sort pen sensor has been tripped,there is a five second delay, indicated at step 492, to give the animaltime to pass through the open gate into the designated pen. Thereafter,the entrance gate is commanded to close again, as indicated at step 494.When the designated sort pen gate is closed, the program returns to step486 to inquire if a sort pen is requested for the next animal. Nothingfurther happens until a sort pen is again requested.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram for the computer program in the processcontrol computer that operates in conjunction with the measuring andprocessing station and sort pen operating programs to control thesequence of operation of the various station head and tail gates andsort pen entrance gates. The FIG. 25 program, indicated generally at496, is for controlling the movement of a single animal through thesingle-file chute and its measuring and processing stations and into oneof the selected sort pens. The processing sequence program 496 starts atstep 498 by closing the GR1 stall head gate and opening the GR1 stalltail gate. Then at step 500 it asks whether there is an animal in theGR1 stall. If not, nothing further happens until an animal enters theGR1 stall.

When there is an animal in the stall as indicated by the fill and tailsensors in the stall, the GR1 tail gate is closed at step 502. Then theprogram asks if the video and scale/EID stations are ready for ananimal, at step 504. If not, nothing further happens until those stallsare empty and ready for the next animal. When they are, the GR1 headgate opens at 506. Then, at step 508, when the sensors in the GR1 stallindicate that the stall is empty, the GR1 head gate closes at step 510.As the animal passes from the GR1 stall through the video stall thevideo measurements are made under control of the video computer, asindicated at step 512.

The animal passes from the video stall into the scale/EID station orstall as indicated at step 514. When the sensors in the scale/EIDstation indicate that an animal is in the station, the scale/EID tailgate is closed at step 516. Thereafter, the animal is weighed in thescale/EID station as indicated at 518. Next, there is an attempt to readthe animal's EID identification at step 520. Thereafter, the programinquires whether the ultrasound station is ready for the animal at step522. If not, nothing further happens until the ultrasound station isready. When ready, the head gate of the scale/EID station is opened atstep 524 so the animal can pass into the ultrasound station. Next, theprogram asks at step 526 whether the animal is gone from the scale/EIDstation. If not, nothing further happens until the program is told thatthe animal has left the station. When the animal is gone from thescale/EID station the scale/EID head gate is closed at step 528.

Next, the program asks at step 530 whether there is an animal in theultrasound station. If not, nothing further happens until an animal isdetected in the ultrasound station. Then the ultrasound tail gate isclosed at step 532. Thereafter, the ultrasound computer operates theultrasound machine to make the backfat measurements at step 534, and theprocess control computer is commanded to read the video measurements atstep 536 by the processing station program.

Next, the processing station program asks whether the processing stationis ready for the animal, at step 538. If not, nothing further happensuntil the processing station has cleared the previous animal and isready for the next animal. Then, the ultrasound head gate is opened atstep 540, allowing the animal to proceed into the processing station.Thereafter, the program asks whether the animal is gone from theultrasound station, as indicated at step 542. If not, nothing furtherhappens until the animal has cleared the ultrasound station. Thereafter,the ultrasound station head gate is closed at step 544.

Next, the program asks whether the animal has entered the processingstation at step 545. If not, nothing further happens until the animal isfully within the processing station, after which the processing stationtail gate is closed at step 546. After the animal is within theprocessing station, its EID identification is read at step 548, itsmeasurement data from the previous measuring stations is transmitted tothe FBS computer at step 550, and the FBS computer transmits to theprocess control computer the assigned sort pen for the animal at step552.

At this point, within the processing station, the animal may beimplanted with growth promotants or undergo additional treatment thatmay be indicated. When this processing is completed, a button ismanually pushed by an operator to indicate that the animal is ready toleave the processing station. The computer program then asks whether therelease button has been pushed at step 554 and if not, nothing furtherhappens and the animal cannot leave the processing station. When therelease button has been pushed, the program inquires whether theassigned sort pen is ready for the animal, at step 556. Until thedesignated sort pen is ready, nothing further happens and the animalremains in the processing station. When the sort pen is ready, theprocessing station head gate is opened at step 558 and the specifiedsort pen gate is also opened at step 560, so the animal can leave theprocessing station and proceed into the sort gate alley and into theopen sort pen.

Next, the computer program asks whether the animal has left theprocessing station at step 562. If so, the head gate of the processingstation is closed at step 564. Next, the program asks whether the sortpen sensor has been tripped by the animal entering through the sort pengate, at step 566. If so, the designated sort pen gate is closed at step568. Finally, the identification of the animal entering the sort pen isrecorded at step 570 and the processing sequence program ends for thatparticular animal at step 572.

FIG. 26 is the overall ECM process control program in the processcontrol computer that controls identification and shutdown of thevarious equipment used in the system including the sort pen gatesensors, the measuring and processing station sensors, the station gateactuators, the tiris EID reader, the ultrasound computer, the videomeasurement computer, the FBS computer interface and the like. Theprogram is indicated generally at 574.

First, the particular configuration of the feedlot management systembeing used is loaded into the computer at step 576, and thereafter thevarious computers, interfaces, actuators, sensors, sort pen gates, andthe like are initialized at step 578. Next, the various parameters to beused in the system are entered at step 580 through a data entry means.Next, the program checks for user inputs at step 582, and inquireswhether any stopping of the operation of the system has been requestedat step 584. If a stop has been requested, the system waits for thegates to settle at step 586 and then shuts down the equipment under itscontrol at step 588 to end the ECM process control program at step 590.

If no stop of the system has been requested, then the program updatesthe sensors at step 592, updates the gates at 594 and updates themeasurement and processing stations at step 596. Thereafter, the programreturns to the portion of the program at step 582 that checks for userinputs and the program then continues to operate for the next animalproceeding through the system.

FIG. 27 is the station initialization program 598 that conditions eachmeasuring and processing station for the receipt of the next animal.Each station is initialized at step 600, and when completed for allstations, the station initialization program ends at step 602. Toinitialize each station or pen, the program inquires whether the fillsensor in that station is on, at step 604. If the fill sensor is on, theprogram inquires whether this is a sort pen at step 606. If not, theprogram then assumes that the head gate is closed and that the tail gateis closed for that particular station at step 608, and then the programreturns to its start at step 600 and repeats the sequence for each of(n) stations or pens. If at any station the program detects that a fillsensor is not on, at step 604 the program proceeds to a station setupstep 610 and then back to the start of the programming sequence at step600. If at step 606 of the programming sequence the program detects thatthis is a sort pen being initialized, then the program proceeds to thestation setup step 610 before proceeding back to the start of theprogramming sequence at step 600.

FIG. 28 is the flow chart for the “update stations” program 612. Thefirst step in the program sequence is to update each station for thenext animal as indicated at step 614. When each station of the totalnumber of stations (n) has been updated, the update program for thatstation ends at step 616. The program resequences until all stationshave been updated.

To update a station, the next step 617 of the program asks a stationwhether it is waiting for an animal. If it is, then it initiates thecapture animal program at step 618, which will be describedsubsequently. After the capture animal program for a particular stationhas been run, the program sequences back to its start at step 614 andthen proceeds to update the next station. If a particular station atsequencing step 616 of the program is not waiting for an animal, theprogram then asks whether an animal has been captured at step 620. If ananimal has not been captured, it then asks at step 622 whether an animalhas been released from the station. If an animal has been released, theprogram resequences to the beginning at step 614 to rerun the programfor the next station. If for a particular station an animal is capturedwhen the inquiry is made at step 620, the program next asks at step 624whether the measurements are complete at that station. If themeasurements are not complete, the program waits until the measurementsare made at step 626.

Next, the program asks if the measurements have been completed at step628 and if the answer is yes a light on the control panel is turned onat step 630 to indicate that the measurements are complete, and theprogram sequences back to the beginning at step 614. If the measurementsare not complete, the program sequences back to the beginning and rerunsuntil the measurements are complete and the “complete light” can beturned on.

If, at step 624 when the program inquires whether the measurements arecomplete and the answer is yes, the program then asks at step 632whether the animal is ready for release. If the answer is no, theprogram sequences to the beginning and reruns through the sequencesuntil the animal is ready for release. When the animal is ready forrelease at step 632 of the program, it then asks at step 634 whether therelease button has been pushed. If it has, then the animal is releasedat step 636. If it has not, then the program sequences back to thebeginning to rerun until the animal is released. If at step 622 of theprogram an animal has not been released, then the program commands thatthe animal be released at step 638 after which the program sequencesback to the beginning to update the station for the next animal.

FIG. 29 shows the flow chart for the “station setup” computer program640. In the first step of the programming sequence the program askswhether this is a sort pen. If it is a sort pen, the sort pen entrancegate (indicated in the flow chart as the “tail gate”) at step 644 isclosed to end the station setup program for the sort pen.

If the station setup program is not being run for a sort pen, then theprogram commands that the squeeze gate, if any, be opened at 646. Next,the program inquires at step 648 whether the station has a crack sensor.If it does, then the program commands that the head gate be cracked atstep 650. Then the program commands that the tail gate be opened at step652 to end the setup program for that particular station.

If at the sequencing step 648 the station does not have a crack sensor,then the program commands that the station head gate be closed at step654 and then that the tail gate be opened at step 652 to end the stationsetup program, at which point the station is ready to receive the nextanimal.

FIG. 30 is the flow chart for the “capture animal” program for eachstation, which, like the preceding programs, is run by the processcontrol computer. The program, indicated at 656, first inquires whetherthe tail gate for a station is open at step 658. If the tail gate is notopen, it inquires whether the fill sensor at the station is on at step660. If the fill sensor is not on the program sequences to a point whereit asks whether the head and tail gates are closed at step 662. If thehead and tail gates are not closed, the program sequences to its end atstep 664 because there is no animal present to be captured.

Returning to step 660 of the programming sequence, if the fill sensor ison, the program then inquires whether the tail sensor is on at step 666.If the tail sensor is on the program then sequences to step 662 toinquire whether the head and tail gates are closed. If the head and tailgates are closed, the program inquires whether this is a sort pen atstep 668. If it is not a sort pen, the program commands that the statuslight on the control panel be turned on to indicate that the measuringor processing at the station is not complete, at step 670. If at step668 it is a sort pen, then the program commands that the animal'sidentity be recorded at step 672.

Returning to step 666, if the tail sensor is not on but the fill sensoris on, then the program commands that the tail gate be closed at step674. Once the tail gate is closed, the program at step 676 inquireswhether there is a head catcher at the station and if so whether thehead is to be caught by it.

If the station has no head catcher, then the program at step 678inquires whether the head sensor is off. If it is not off, nothingfurther happens until it does go off. Then the program commands the headgate to close at step 680. When the head gate closes the programinquires whether the station has a squeeze gate and if so whether theanimal is to be squeezed, at step 682. If the animal is to be squeezed,the squeeze gate is commanded to close at step 684. After the squeezegate is closed, the program sequences through the steps previouslydescribed at 662, 668, and 672 to the end of the capture program at 664.

If at step 676 there is an indication that there is a head catcher to beoperated, the program inquires at step 686 whether the head sensor ison. If it is on then the head gate is commanded to close at step 688,and the program sequences through steps 682, 684, 662, 668 and 672 aspreviously described.

If at step 686, the head sensor is not on, then the program sequences tostep 662 to inquire whether the head and tail gates are closed.

The next program to be described is the “make measurements” program, theflow diagram for which is shown in FIG. 31 and indicated generally at690. This is the program of the process control computer that controlsthe operation of the computers that control the equipment for making thethree basic measurements, namely a weight measurement, an externalmeasurement via the video scanner, and an ultrasound measurement forbackfat via the ultrasound machine. The program also controls thereading of the measurement data and its transmission to the FBScomputer.

The first step 692 in the program is to inquire whether an animal needsto be identified through its EID tag, by asking whether there is a tirisreader. If there is a tiris reader the program inquires whether anelectronic ID of the animal is still needed at step 694. If anelectronic identification is needed, the program inquires whether anidentity reading is ready at step 696. If the reading is ready, theprogram instructs the computer to read the animal's electronicidentification at step 698. If at any step in the foregoing sequence, itis indicated that no electronic ID is needed or that the reading is notready, the program proceeds to the next sequence of steps.

The sequence involves weighing, and the first step in the sequence is toinquire whether there is a scale at the station. If there is a scale atthe station, the program inquires at step 702 whether a weight isrequired. If a weight is required the program asks if the scale readingis available at step 704. If the scale reading is available, the programinstructs the computer to read the scale weight at step 706. If at anypoint in the foregoing weigh sequence it is indicated that a weight isnot required or a weight reading is not available, the program sequencesto the next series of steps for backfat measurement. The backfat stepsstart with an inquiry at step 708 whether there is an ultrasound machineat the station. If there is, the program inquires whether a backfatmeasurement is required at step 710. If a backfat measurement isrequired, the program commands the appropriate computer to read theultrasound data at step 712. If a backfat measurement is not availableor needed, or once the ultrasound data has been read, the programsequences to the next series of steps relating to video measurements.

The first inquiry at the next sequence of steps as indicated at step 714is whether there is a video measurement interface at the particularstation. If there is, the program inquires whether a hip-heightmeasurement is still required at step 716. If it is, the programinquires whether the video measurements are ready to be read at step718. If they are, a reading of the video measurements of the animal ismade at step 720, and the program sequences to the next series of stepsbeginning at step 722. If at any point in the video measurement sequenceof steps it is indicated that a measurement is not required or that thevideo measurements are not available to be read, the program sequencesto the next series of steps.

At step 722 the program inquires whether there is an FBS computerinterface at the station. If there is, the program inquires whether asort pen is required at step 724. If one is required, the programinquires whether all measurements are completed at step 726. If allmeasurements are completed, then the program transmits the recordedmeasurement data to the FBS computer. It also requests the FBS computerto assign a sort pen to the animal at step 728. If at any point in theforegoing sequence of steps, beginning at step 722, there is no sort penrequired or all measurements are not complete, the program proceeds tothe end at step 730.

From the foregoing description of the “make measurements” program itwill be apparent that this program can be used to control theappropriate computer and equipment at each measurement station to makethe appropriate measurements, then record them and transmit themeasurement data to the FBS computer, and in turn receive a sort penassignment from the FBS computer based on such measurement data.

The next program to be described is the “release animal” program, theflow diagram of which is shown in FIG. 32 and indicated generally at732.

The first step in the release animal programming sequence, at step 734,is to inquire whether there is an animal at the particular station. Ifthere is no animal, the program sequences to command the head gate toopen and the squeeze gate to open at step 736. Then the programsequences to inquire whether the fill sensor is off at step 738. If thefill sensor is not off, the program sequences to the end of the stationrelease program at step 740 and the animal is not released.

If the fill sensor is off at step 738 then the program inquires whetherthe head sensor is off at step 742. If the head sensor is off, then theprogram commands the station setup program to start at step 744 andcompletes its sequencing at step 740. If the head sensor is not off atstep 742, the program sequences to the end of the program and the animalis not released.

If at step 734 of the program sequence there is an animal in thestation, the next inquiry is whether this is a sort pen, at step 746. Ifit is a sort pen, then the program sequences to pass the animal data tothe next station at step 748 and then to turn the status lights off onthe control panel at step 750. Thereafter, the program sequences to step736 to open the squeeze and head gates to release the animal.

If at step 746 in the sequence the indication is that the station is nota sort pen then the program sequences to the next step 752 to inquirewhether the next station is ready for an animal. If the answer is no,the program sequences to the end at step 740 and the animal is notreleased. If the answer is yes at step 752, then the animal data ispassed to the next station at step 748, the status lights are turned offat step 750 and the program sequences to step 736 to release the animal.

The next program to be described, with reference to the flow diagram ofFIG. 33, is the “read ultrasound data” program 754. The first step inthe program sequence is to inquire whether a backfat reading isavailable from the ultrasound computer at step 756. If one is notavailable, the program sequences to the end at step 758. If a reading isavailable, the computer is instructed to read the backfat reading fromthe ultrasound at step 760. Next, the program inquires whether thebackfat reading is good at step 762. If it is not, then the programcommands the computer to turn on the bad reading status light on thecontrol panel at 764 and the program sequences to the end. If thereading is good then the “good reading” status light is turned on at thecontrol panel at step 766. Then the good reading is added to the list ofbackfat readings for that animal at step 768.

After the reading, the program commands the computer at step 770 tocount the number of other readings that are within 0.2 inches, asindicated at step 772. When that has been done, the program sequencesback to step 770 until all such readings in the list have been countedas indicated. When that is done, the program sequences to step 774 andinquires whether there are four or more close readings. If there arefour or more close readings, the next step 776 is to average the closereadings. Then the computer turns on the “backfat complete” status lighton the control panel at step 778 and the program ends.

If at step 774 there are not four or more close readings, then theprogram sequences to step 780 and asks if there are eight or morereadings in the list. If there are not, the program sequences to the endat 758. If there are, the program instructs the computer to clear thelist and reset to start over at step 782 and then sequences to the endof the program at step 758.

The next program to be described is the FBS computer interface program784 described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 34. Thisprogram operates the FBS interface indicated at 246 in FIG. 17. Thefirst step 786 in the program is to send an initialize command to theFBS computer. The next step 788 in the program is to read a command fromthe FBS computer. The next step 790 in the program is to inquire whetheran animal data request has been received from the FBS computer. If not,the program sequences back to step 788 to await a command from the FBScomputer. If there is no command from the FBS computer or no response,the program sequences back to the beginning to send an initializecommand to the FBS computer.

If at step 790 an animal data request is received from the FBS computer,an acknowledgement is sent to the FBS computer at step 792. Next, theprogram inquires whether data from the next animal is collected yet, atstep 794. If the data has not yet been collected, the program returns tostep 794 to await the collection of data. When data for the next animalhas been collected, the program sequences to step 796 and sends theanimal data to the FBS computer. Next, at step 798 the program waits toread a response from the FBS computer. Then, the program awaits receiptof an animal data acknowledgement from the FBS computer at step 800. Ifnot received, the program requests the FBS computer to resend anacknowledgement. Upon an initialize command or no response from the FBScomputer, the program sequences back to the initial step 786.

If the program receives an acknowledgement from the FBS computer thatthe animal data was received, the program next reads the sort penassignment received from the FBS computer at step 802. Next, at step804, the program inquires whether the sort pen assignment was receivedfrom the FBS computer. At this point if there is an initialize commandfrom the FBS computer or no sort pen assignment from the FBS computer,the program sequences back to the initial step 786.

If there is a sort pen assignment received from the FBS computer, theprogram sends a sort pen acknowledgement to the FBS computer at step806. Then, at step 808 the program commands the computer to update thecurrent animal with its assigned sort pen number, in other words, tocorrelate the new sort pen assignment with the identified animal. Theprogram then returns to step 788, awaiting a command from the FBScomputer.

Finally, there is a program for loading the ECM (cattle managementsystem) station configuration information into the process controlcomputer. This program is diagrammed in FIG. 35 and indicated generallyat 810. In the first step of its sequence the program inquires whetherthis is the end of the configuration file, at step 812. If the answer isyes, then the program sequences to step 814 to check for any missingdefinitions. Then the load configuration program ends at step 816. Ifthe configuration file is not fully loaded, then from step 812 theprogram sequences to read the element definition from the configurationfile at step 818. Then the program determines the definition type atstep 820 and breaks the definition into its components at step 822 andcreates the object specified by the definition at step 824 beforesequencing back to the beginning of the load configuration program.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the disclosedcomputerized cattle management system and method provides a highlyflexible system and method for measuring, sorting and processinganimals, either on a group basis or an individual basis or in acombination of group and individual basis. It furthermore proves a meansand method for projecting, on an individual animal basis, when thatanimal will be ready to be shipped from the feedlot to the packing plantfor slaughter and what that animal's optimum finish weight will be. Thesystem also provides a means and method whereby the costs of maintaininganimals in the feedlot can be determined on an individual animal basisso that such costs, on an individual animal basis, can be assessed tothe animal's owners, thereby providing a highly efficient costmanagement tool.

With the management system, no longer is it necessary to treat a groupof animals received in a feedlot as a group throughout its period ofstay in the feedlot. Instead, different groups of animals as received ina feedlot can be mixed with other groups regardless of ownership, basedon management criteria such as animal type, DTF, OEW or other factors.Since each animal can be identified electronically at any time and atany place during its stay in the feedlot, with its ownership easilydetermined, it can be grouped with other animals with similar physicalcharacteristics or OED's rather than being kept in a common ownershipgroup while in the feedlot. Similarly, when animals are ready forslaughter, they can be sent to the packing plant without regard toownership because their EID tags will identify them at packing plant asto ownership and thus costs and proceeds can be properly assessed andcredited without regard to group.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that a particular animal maybe in one group or lot when it arrives in a feedlot, may be moved to adifferent group within a feed pen during the feeding period, and may besorted into a marketing group different than its pen feeding group whenit is finally ready for shipment to the packing plant. All of this ismade possible by the ability to electronically identify each animal byownership and physical characteristics and costs at any time,irrespective of the group it happens to be in at any given time.

TABLE 3A Cattle Received Report by Load Period: Mar. 18, 1994 to Mar.20, 1994 Research Division CIR117 Agri-Research Seq 13 Feeders Page Lot:495 Weight Pen Date Load Average Totals Purchase Cost No. Rcvd. No. HeadSex Pay Rec Shrink Pay Rec Total S/CWT L4 Mar. 19, 1994 1 32 HF 678 6780.00% 21,680 21,680 16,476.80 76.00 AGE YEARLING 160.00 BACKGROUND WHEATPASTURE 100.00 BREED OF FEEDER ANGUS CROSS 25.00 CHAROLAIS 6.25 HEREFORD28.00 HOLSTEIN CROSS 18.75 SHORTHORN X 22.00 DAYS IN PASTURE 154-161100.00 DISPOSITION DOCILE 95.00 HEALTH SCORE EXCELLENT 100.00 MARKETTYPE DIRECT 100.00 NUTRITION WHEAT PASTURE 100.00 STRESS SCORE EXCELLENT100.00 WEATHER/ SUNNY & MILD 100.00 ARRIVAL Number of Loads: 1 32 678678 0.00% 21,680 21,680 16,476.80 76.00 HF-HEIFERS 1 32 678 678 0.00%21,680 21,680 16,476.80 76.00 AGE YEARLING 100.00% BREED OF FEEDER ANGUSCROSS 25.00% CHAROLAIS 6.25% HEREFORD 28.00% HOLSTEIN CROSS 18.75%SHORTHORN X 22.00% BACKGROUND WHEAT PASTURE 100.00% DISPOSITION DOCILE95.00% HEALTH SCORE EXCELLENT 100.00% MARKET TYPE DIRECT 100.00%NUTRITION WHEAT PASTURE 100.00% DAYS ON PASTURE 154-161 100.00% STRESSSCORE EXCELLENT 100.00% WEATHER/ SUNNY & MILD 100.00% ARRIVAL

TABLE 3B Pen Assignment Summary Source Lot: 495 Source Pen: 59 SortType: DAYS TO FINISH Pen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot 495 495 495 Feed Pen 59 57 58Head 10 11 11 Average 98 79 83 STD 38 41 56 Max 154 154 164 Min 36 17 9Range 118 137 155 Projected Finish Weight Average 1066 1093 997 STD 158137 126 Max 1260 1260 1177 Min 830 876 815 Range 430 384 362 CurrentWeight Average 787 875 766 STD 120 66 66 Max 1035 965 843 Min 627 766648 Range 408 199 195 Frame Average 5 6 4 STD 1 1 1 Max 7 7 7 Min 3 3 3Range 4 4 4 Current Back Fat Average .22 .30 .33 STD .12 .11 .19 Max .42.53 .75 Min .09 .17 .12 Range .33 .36 .63

TABLE 3C PEN ASSIGNMENT DETAIL LOT: 495 PEN: 57 Thu Apr. 28, 1994 SortPen: 2 07:35:12 Run Seq: 206 Page 1 EID VID DTF OFW CWT ADG FM BF ShipWindow: May 14, 1994 TO Sep. 28, 1994 16817175 11 16 876 826 3.13 3 0.5316817094 4 32 1004 905 3.09 5 0.41 16817763 22 45 1034 942 2.04 5 0.2516816164 9 59 1089 929 2.71 7 0.22 16814011 5 60 912 766 2.43 3 0.4116816227 24 75 1024 798 3.01 5 0.36 16816430 16 83 1132 897 2.83 7 0.2516815742 28 98 1260 965 3.01 7 0.17 16816005 34 115 1260 931 2.86 7 0.3116814141 19 122 1175 843 2.72 7 0.17 16813043 32 153 1260 824 2.85 50.24

TABLE 3D MARKETING YARD SHEET INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL LEVEL Mar. 30, 1994C1### 17:55:03 page Measurement Date: Mar. 30. 1994 DIV: AGR SEX: HFOwner: Agri Research Origin: Little Type: Crossbred Heifers ProjectedWeights DOF Ration TAG PEN HGp LOT DTF Date OFW YG BE CURR PUR CPD LPDID No. Days 25 59 495 38 0506 815 3.0 117.25 711 678 10 10 8 10 11 59495 46 0514 876 3.0 117.25 757 678 10 10 8 10 15 59 495 53 0522 896 3.0117.25 757 678 10 8 10 18 59 495 59 0527 821 3.0 117.25 668 678 10 10 810 4 59 495 62 0530 1004 3.0 117.25 843 678 10 10 8 10 3 59 495 65 0602848 3.0 117.25 679 678 10 10 8 10 14 59 495 68 0606 904 3.0 117.25 727678 10 10 8 10 22 59 495 75 0612 1034 2.0 117.25 817 678 10 10 8 10 9 59495 89 0626 1089 2.0 117.25 832 678 10 10 8 10 5 59 495 90 0627 912 3.0117.25 679 678 10 10 8 10 17 59 495 92 0630 830 3.0 117.25 576 678 10 108 10 20 58 495 97 0705 972 3.0 117.25 704 678 10 10 8 10 2 58 495 980706 965 3.0 117.25 710 678 10 10 8 10 24 58 495 104 0712 1024 2.0117.25 722 678 10 10 8 10 26 58 495 104 0712 1044 2.0 117.25 742 678 1010 8 10 30 58 495 107 0715 1034 3.0 117.25 755 678 10 10 8 10 13 58 495107 0715 1012 3.0 117.25 733 678 10 10 8 10 16 58 495 113 0720 1132 2.0117.25 805 678 10 10 8 10 21 58 495 113 0720 990 3.0 117.25 697 678 1010 8 10 23 58 495 119 0726 1260 2.0 117.25 915 678 10 10 8 10 28 58 495128 0804 1260 2.0 117.25 890 678 10 10 8 10 29 58 495 128 0805 1090 3.0117.25 738 678 10 10 8 10 34 57 495 144 0821 1260 2.0 117.25 841 678 1010 8 10 19 57 495 152 0828 1175 3.0 117.25 757 678 10 10 8 10 ADG FeedIntake Treats/HD PROCS/Hd TOTALS/Hd TAG PEN HGp LOT CPD LPD ID PCP ACPL7D ID Proj Act Proj Act Proj TD 25 59 495 5.4 .0 5.4 18 22 23 22 1 .005 4.75 6 4.75 11 59 495 5.8 .0 5.8 18 24 25 24 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 15 59495 5.8 .0 5.8 18 24 25 24 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 18 59 495 5.1 .0 5.1 1821 22 2 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 4 59 495 6.4 .0 6.4 18 27 28 27 1 .00 5 4.756 4.75 3 59 495 5.2 .0 5.2 18 21 22 21 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 14 59 495 .6.0 .6 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 22 59 495 6.2 .0 6.2 18 26 27 26 1.00 5 4.75 6 4.75 9 59 495 2.4 .0 2.4 18 26 27 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 559 495 2.0 .0 2.0 18 21 22 21 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 17 59 495 4.4 .0 4.418 18 19 18 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 20 58 495 5.4 .0 5.4 18 22 23 22 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 2 58 495 5.4 .0 5.4 18 22 23 22 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 24 58495 5.5 .0 5.5 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 26 58 495 5.7 .0 5.7 1823 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 30 58 495 2.4 .0 2.4 18 24 25 24 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 13 58 495 5.6 .0 5.6 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 16 58495 6.1 .0 6.1 18 25 26 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 21 58 495 5.3 .0 5.3 1822 23 22 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 23 58 495 7.0 .0 7.0 18 29 30 29 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 28 58 495 6.8 .0 6.8 18 28 29 28 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 29 58495 5.6 .0 5.6 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 34 57 495 6.4 .0 6.4 1827 28 27 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 19 57 495 5.8 .0 5.8 18 24 25 24 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75

TABLE 3E MARKETING YARD SHEET INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL LEVEL Apr. 22, 1994C1#### 17:55:11 Page 1 Measurement Date: Apr. 22, 1994 DIV: AGR SEX: HFOwner: Agri Research Origin: Little Type: Crossbred Heifers ProjectedWeights DOF Rution TAG PEN HGp LOT DTF Date OFW YG BE CURR PUR CPD LPDID No. Days 25 59 A 495 21 0513 869 3.0 118.39 811 678 24 10 34 6 12 1159 A 495 24 0156 888 3.0 118.04 826 678 24 10 34 6 12 15 59 A 495 320524 896 3.0 117.07 813 678 24 10 34 6 12 4 59 A 495 34 0526 993 3.0117.82 905 678 24 10 34 6 12 3 59 A 495 36 0528 863 3.0 116.01 769 67824 10 34 6 12 18 59 A 495 43 0604 856 3.0 114.76 744 678 24 10 34 6 1214 59 B 495 43 0604 905 3.0 115.60 793 678 24 10 34 6 12 22 59 B 495 510612 1089 2.0 115.92 942 678 24 10 34 6 12 5 59 B 495 56 0617 912 3.0113.99 766 678 24 10 34 6 12 17 59 B 495 58 0619 787 3.0 109.23 628 67824 10 34 6 12 9 59 B 495 68 0629 1127 2.0 114.30 929 678 24 10 34 6 12 258 A 495 68 0629 970 3.0 113.64 793 678 24 10 34 6 12 16 58 A 495 680629 1095 2.0 113.62 897 678 24 10 34 6 12 20 58 A 495 74 0705 988 3.0112.04 785 678 24 10 34 6 12 23 58 A 495 78 0709 1260 2.0 116.07 1035678 24 10 34 6 12 24 58 A 495 82 0713 1035 2.0 110.62 798 678 24 10 34 612 26 58 A 495 82 0713 1038 2.0 110.69 801 678 24 10 34 6 12 21 58 A 49582 0713 962 3.0 111.62 749 678 24 10 34 6 12 30 58 A 495 90 0721 10313.0 112.60 798 678 24 10 34 6 12 29 58 A 495 92 0723 1097 3.0 112.39 843678 24 10 34 6 12 13 58 A 495 94 0725 1055 3.0 112.77 811 678 24 10 34 612 28 58 A 495 102 0802 1260 2.0 113.93 965 678 24 10 34 6 12 34 57 A495 113 0813 1260 2.0 112.65 931 678 24 10 34 6 12 19 57 A 495 115 08151159 3.0 111.58 843 678 24 10 34 6 12 ADG Feed Intake Treats/HD PROCS/HdTOTALS/Hd TAG PEN HGp LOT CPD LPD ID PCP ACP L7D ID Proj Act Proj ActProj TD 25 59 A 495 4.2 5.4 4.6 22 26 25 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 11 59 A495 2.9 5.8 3.7 21 27 25 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 15 59 A 495 2.3 5.8 3.321 26 25 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 4 59 A 495 2.6 6.4 3.7 21 29 28 29 1 .005 4.75 6 4.75 3 59 A 495 3.8 5.2 4.2 21 25 23 24 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 1859 A 495 3.2 5.1 3.7 21 24 23 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 14 59 B 495 2.8 5.53.6 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 22 59 B 495 5.2 6.2 5.5 21 31 29 291 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 5 59 B 495 3.6 5.2 4.1 21 25 23 24 1 .00 5 4.75 64.75 17 59 B 495 2.2 4.4 2.8 21 20 19 20 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 9 59 B 4954.0 6.3 4.7 21 30 28 29 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 2 58 A 495 3.5 5.4 4.0 21 2624 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 16 58 A 495 3.8 6.1 4.5 21 29 27 28 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 20 58 A 495 3.4 5.4 4.0 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 2358 A 495 5.0 7.0 5.6 21 34 32 32 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 24 58 A 495 3.2 5.53.9 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 26 58 A 495 2.5 5.7 3.4 21 26 24 251 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 21 58 A 495 2.2 5.3 3.1 21 24 23 24 1 .00 5 4.75 64.75 30 58 A 495 1.8 5.8 3.0 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 29 58 A 4954.4 5.6 4.7 21 27 26 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 13 58 A 495 3.3 5.6 3.9 2126 25 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 28 58 A 495 3.1 6.8 4.2 21 31 29 30 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 34 57 A 495 3.8 6.4 4.5 21 30 28 29 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 1957 A 495 3.6 5.8 4.2 21 27 26 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75

TABLE 3F Pen Closeout Report Research-Division As of Apr. 22, 1994 Lot495 Pen 59 Owner AGRI Agri Research Center, Inc. 100.00 Pounds DollarsItem Head Total Avg /CWT /Head Total INCOME Inventory 10 7,867 787 73.25576.28 5,762.80 EXPENSES Cattle: 10 6,775 678 76.00 514.90 5,149.00HEIFERS Feed and Other: COG /Head Total FEED CHARGES 50.15 54.77 547.60CATTLE INSURANCE 0.16 0.17 1.70 YARDAGE 1.56 1.70 17.00 PROCESSING 4.354.75 47.40 Sub Total Feed and Other 56.21 61.38 613.80 Total 576.285,762.80 Profit/Loss 0.00 0.00 Performance Data Total Pounds Gained1,092.00 Total Proc & Med 47.45 /Head 109.20 /Head 4.75 Average DailyGain 3.21 Total Deads 0.00 Daily Feed Cost/Head 1.61 % Death Loss 0.00%Daily Total Cost/Head 1.81 % Shrink into Yard 0.00% Total Pounds Fed8,040.86 Total Feed Cost 547.69 Total Pounds Fed/Head 804.09 Avg RationCost/Ton XXXXX Avg Daily Consumption 23.65 Cost of Gain 56.21 WetConversion 7.36 (Deads in) Dry Conversion 6.02 Cost of Gain 56.21 InMar. 19, 1994 Out: (Deads out) Total Head Days 340.00 Average Days onFeed 34.00 SUMMARY 10 HEIFERS In Wt 678 Out Wt 787 Gained 3.21 for 34DOF Cost of Gain: 56.21 Profit 0.00 (Before Interest)

TABLE 3G Close-Out Summary BY LOT LOT: 42894 PENS: 553 HEAD 27 SEX SDATE Apr. 28, 1993 OTAL PFT: $4,957.98 SIRE: ANGUS DAM: BRAFORD VID PFTTCOG ADG PE QG YG HCW DP % LW PWT DOF FCOG PROC TREAT TCOG 567 329.9645.00 3.37 6.31 CH− 4.0 875 66.5 1315 634 202 43.00 11.36 0.00 45.00 56364.18 45.00 3.64 6.25 SE+ 5.0 777 62.8 1238 648 162 42.00 11.36 0.0045.00 564 76.03 57.00 2.97 7.16 SE+ 4.2 736 61.8 1190 590 202 48.0011.36 33.25 57.00 565 233.46 42.00 3.93 5.79 SE− 5.0 915 66.6 1373 736162 39.00 11.36 0.00 42.00 566 122.80 66.00 2.47 9.20 SE− 3.3 699 65.31070 620 182 62.00 11.36 0.00 56.00 AVG 165.29 51.00 3.28 6.94 4.30 80065 1237 646 182 46.80 11.36 6.65 51.00 SIRE: ANGUS DAM: BRANGUS VID PFTTCOG ADG PE QG YG HCW DP % LW PWT DOF FCOG PROC TREAT TCOG 423 151.9139.00 3.57 5.98 SE− 2.9 731 61.9 1181 460 202 36.00 11.36 0.00 39.00 421296.59 40.00 3.87 5.69 SE− 3.9 811 62.6 1296 592 182 38.00 11.36 0.0040.00 425 74.46 63.00 2.23 9.17 CH 3.2 661 64.7 1022 508 231 60.00 11.360.00 63.00 420 113.36 43.00 3.23 6.61 SE+ 2.7 693 62.2 1114 462 20240.00 11.36 0.00 43.00 427 282.11 45.00 3.45 6.38 SE+ 3.5 775 64.1 1210582 182 43.00 11.36 0.00 45.00 422 198.62 45.00 3.06 6.97 CH− 3.0 73464.5 1138 480 215 42.00 11.36 0.00 45.00 AVG 186.18 45.83 3.24 6.80 0.003.20 734 63 1160 514 202 43.17 11.36 0.00 45.83 SIRE: ANGUS DAM: ANGUSVID PFT TCOG ADG PE QG YG HCW DP % LW PWT DOF FCOG PROC TREAT TCOG 619254.93 42.75 3.25 7.60 CH 2.3 742 66.6 1114 574 166 38.73 10.04 0.0042.75 616 −129.50 58.02 2.59 9.50 SE 3.0 701 62.9 1114 558 215 50.2710.04 19.50 58.02 633 231.38 46.77 3.17 8.50 CH 2.8 762 63.2 1205 562203 43.17 10.04 0.00 46.77 628 222.01 53.51 3.08 8.60 CH 2.7 813 65.71238 612 203 45.61 10.04 25.58 53.51 661 255.60 43.86 3.15 7.90 CH 3.7822 65.3 1258 660 190 40.12 10.04 0.00 43.86 929 154.05 52.96 2.58 9.70CH 4.1 708 63.8 1109 554 215 48.81 10.04 0.00 52.96 AVG 164.75 49.652.97 8.63 0.00 3.10 758 65 1173 587 199 44.45 10.04 7.51 49.65 SIRE:ANGUS DAM: HERF VID PFT TCOG ADG PE QG YG HCW DP % LW PWT DOF FCOG PROCTREAT TCOG 907 178.77 45.63 3.05 8.20 CH 2.1 741 64.3 1152 646 166 41.3410.04 0.00 45.63 908 257.39 42.53 3.60 6.80 CH 2.4 906 63.1 1435 652 21536.16 10.04 25.58 42.53 902 266.58 42.83 3.25 7.70 CH 2.9 811 68.7 1181642 166 38.81 10.04 0.00 42.83 903 181.05 44.14 3.15 7.90 SE 2.6 78964.6 1219 696 166 39.99 10.04 0.00 44.14 906 203.41 50.74 2.74 9.00 CH3.1 748 69.6 1075 620 166 45.97 10.04 0.00 50.74 905 183.21 42.67 3.267.60 SE 2.3 768 63.7 1205 664 166 38.66 10.04 0.00 42.67 904 216.4244.13 3.10 8.10 CH 2.5 809 63.6 1272 606 215 40.68 10.04 0.00 44.13 910171.61 49.23 2.78 9.00 CH 3.0 792 64.4 1229 632 215 45.38 10.04 0.0049.23 911 172.01 50.52 2.75 9.10 CH 1.2 686 63.2 1085 628 166 45.7710.04 0.00 50.52 909 245.58 43.41 3.15 7.90 CH 3.8 893 65.0 1373 696 21540.01 10.04 0.00 43.41 AVG 202.6 45.583 3.083 8.13 0 2.6 794 65 1223 649186 41.277 10.04 2.558 45.583 LOT AVERAGE PFT TCOG ADG PE QG YG HCW DP %LW PWT DOF FCOG PROC TREAT TCOG AVG 183.63 43.34 2.61 6.42 2.91 703 591090 548 174 39.60 9.65 3.58 43.34 STD 15.02 1.22 3.06 1.21 230 19 356185 59 13.72 3.11 8.66 15.02 MAX 329.96 66.00 3.93 9.70 5.00 915 70 1435736 231 62.00 11.36 33.25 66.00 MIN −129.50 39.00 2.23 5.69 1.20 661 621022 460 162 36.00 10.04 0.00 39.00 RANG 469.46 27.00 1.70 4.01 3.80 2548 413 276 69 26.00 1.32 33.25 27.00

TABLE 4A Feedlot Business System Type in three letters ahs to start theAnimal Health Program 1. Type FMS 2. TERM = (ANSI) typeway150    Feedlot Business System     Agri Research Database         ver. 4.1        Mar. 03, 1994         Enter user ID             AccessMicro-System 3. Push the DEL key on the keyboard 4. S Type ECM    ELECTRONIC CATTLE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 0 - Exit 1 - Perform an ECMSession 2 - Modify ECM Session Configuration 3 - Print the Results of anECM Session 5. Type 1 then press the Enter key     ELECTRONIC CATTLEMANAGEMENT PROGRAM Currently defined Session Types: 1   2   3   4 ChooseSession Type from above list 6. Type 2 then press the Enter key

TABLE 4B  1 - Session Types: 2  2 - Description: Demo  3 - Processcontrol computer present? [yes]  4 - Unused [no]  5 - Type of Sorting ?[AR]  6 - Read Electronic Ear Tags? [yes]  7 - Insert New Visual EarTags ? [no]  8 - Cattle Type? [not Recorded]  9 - Frame Type? [notRecorded] 10 - Flesh Type? [not Recorded] 11 - AGE? [not Recorded] 12 -Weight ? [Automatically] 13 - Back Fat ? [Automatically] 14 - Loin Depth? [not Recorded] 15 - Rump Height? [Keyed In] 16 - Rump Width ? [notRecorded] 17 - Shoulder Height ? [not Recorded] 18 - Shoulder Width?[not Recorded] 19 - Top Length ? [not Recorded] 20 - Body Length ? [notRecorded] 21 - Girth ? [not Recorded] Enter row = to change, 0 to finishor 99 to delete session 7. Type 0 then push the Enter key 1 - Sort Name:AR 2 - Description: 3 - Sorting Criteria? [Optimum END date] 4 - FLEXSort? [yes] 5 - FLEX pen Number? [3] 6 - Sort Pen Count? [3] Number tochange -or- 0 when finished 8. Type 0 then push the Enter key Number ofhead to be sorted in the Session

TABLE 4C How many Animals should be sorted into each group 1 - Sort Pen1 final count    ? 2 - Sort Pen 2 final count    ? 3 - Flex Pen 3 finalcount    ? 4 - Sort Pen 4 final count    ? Number to Change -or- 0 whenfinished 9. Type 0 then press Enter key ELECTRONIC CATTLE MANAGEMENTPROGRAM Animal ?? of ?? Lot Pen Sort Pen Head Count EID Tag 0 1 0 Frame0 2 0 Weight 0 FLEX 0 Rump Ht. 4 0 Back fat 5 0 OED Dec. 31, 1999 6 010. Are these cattle all from the same lot? 11. . . . And what is thislot? 12. Are these cattle all from the same pen? 13. . . . And what isthis pen? 14. Enter the Date that sorting occurred      (usually today'sdate)?      Trying to establish communication with      Process ControlComputer

TABLE 4D Process Control Setup  1. Power on computer    C:ECM>  2. TypeECM    ***ENTER RUN PARAMETERS***    LOG FILE NAME      3. Enter today'sdate 040194    Sort Types:    0 - No Sort    1 - FBS Sort    2 - Weight   3 - Days of Feed Sort    4 - Manual Sort    Enter Sort Type ==  4. Ifyou Enter 0 go to #9  5. If you Enter 1 go to #16  6. If you Enter 2 goto #17  7. If you Enter 3 go to #37  8. If you Enter 4 go to #60    SortType 0  9. Catch Heads (Y N) == 10. Squeeze Animals (Y N) == 11. WeighAnimals (Y N) == 12. Read Electronic ID (Y N) == 13. Do Animals alreadyhave EID Tags (Y N) == 14. Read Back Fat (Y N) == 15. Take VideoMeasurements (Y N) ==    ECM Computer is Ready to go

TABLE 4E Sort Type 1 16. Is this a Flex Group Sort (Y N) ==    If Y theprogram will Start    If N go to step #9 Sort Type 2 17. Minimum Weightfor Pen 1 == 18. Maximum Weight for Pen 1 == 19. Minimum Weight for Pen2 == 20. Maximum Weight for Pen 2 == 21. Minimum Weight for Pen 3 == 22.Maximum Weight for Pen 3 == 23. Minimum Weight for Pen 4 == 24. MaximumWeight for Pen 4 == 25. Minimum Weight for Pen 5 == 26. Maximum Weightfor Pen 5 == 27. Minimum Weight for Pen 6 == 28. Maximum Weight for Pen6 == 29. Minimum Weight for Pen 7 == 30. Maximum Weight for Pen 7 == 31.Lot Number == 32. Source Pen Number == 33. Head Count == 34. Breed Frametype == 35. Average Weight == 36. Go To #9

TABLE 4F 37. Sort Type 3 38. Minimum Weight for Pen 1 === 39. MaximumWeight for Pen 1 === 40. Minimum Weight for Pen 2 === 41. Maximum Weightfor Pen 2 === 42. Minimum Weight for Pen 3 === 43. Maximum Weight forPen 3 === 44. Minimum Weight for Pen 4 === 45. Maximum Weight for Pen 4=== 46. Minimum Weight for Pen 5 === 47. Maximum Weight for Pen 5 ===48. Minimum Weight for Pen 6 === 49. Maximum Weight for Pen 6 === 50.Minimum Weight for Pen 7 === 51. Maximum Weight for Pen 7 === 52. LotNumber === 53. Source Number === 54. Head Count === 55. Breed, FrameType === 56. Average Weight === 57. Out Weight === 58. Average DailyGain ===    Days on Feed??? (calculated by computer) 59. Go To #9 60.Sort Type 4 61. Go To #9

VIII.) Animal Health History

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor providing up-to-date health histories of animals. These processsteps and system components can be used in conjunction with thedisclosed AIF.

Referring now to FIG. 42, there is shown an animal 1011 and an operator1211 in an area of a cattle feedlot referred to as an animal hospital1411. An animal 1011 may be brought to the hospital 1411 for a check onits physical condition, for treatments that are administered to allanimals in a particular lot, and if an animal is to be individuallytreated for sickness. Typically, the animal hospital 1411 includes acattle chute and a head gate (not shown) for holding the animalstationary while its weight and temperature are checked and any drugsare administered.

As indicated in FIG. 42, the system in this embodiment includes aportable hospital unit 1611 that can be transported to the hospital 1411for use by the operator 1211. This portability enables the operator tocare for cattle with a single unit at several hospitals located aroundthe feedlot rather than at a single hospital to which all cattle must bedirected. Coupled to the portable unit 1611 is a means for entering datainto the unit such as an optical character reader, which in this firstembodiment comprises a portable bar code scanner 1811 available from anumber of sources including the MSI Data Corporation under the nameSYMBOLTEC LS8100. The scanner 1811, which is stored in a holster 2011mounted to a side of the unit 1611, is adapted to read indicia meanssuch as an ear tag 2211 bearing optical characters such as a bar codefor uniquely identifying each animal. Rather than having to write downthe animal's identifying number on a sheet, therefore, the operator 1211need only scan the ear tag 2211 and the identifying number iselectronically read and accurately recorded within the unit 1611. Theportable unit also includes a character menu sheet 2411 that bearsoptical characters such as bar codes corresponding to treatment datacomprising the observed physical condition of the animal as well as drugtreatments that may be administered. The sheet 2411 is mounted behind aclear plastic door of the unit 1611 and includes bar codes on thesheet's left and right margins. The bar codes on the left margin are forentering identification numbers of drugs, numerical quantities, and menuselection steps during program execution. The bar codes on the rightmargin are for entering sickness codes, sex of the animal, and commandsfor scrolling through the prior health history, for entering data andfor quitting after observation or treatment is concluded. The operatorcan thus enter the identity of the animal and treatment data by simplyscanning the menu sheet 2411 with the scanner 1811. The treatment datais recorded along with the animal's identifying number within the unit1611. Visual feedback to the operator 1211 of the prior health historyand the data just entered is provided by a display device such as videomonitor 2511. The monitor 2511 also displays the program promptsprovided to the operator 1211 by the unit 1611 for entering the data, aswill be described in detail hereafter.

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram showing the elements within the chassisof the unit 1611. The scanner 1811 is connected via a spring cord to aconventional laser interface module 2611 such as MSI Data CorporationModel 1365 for communicating data represented by optical characters to aportable terminal 2811. The data terminal 2811 is of conventional designsuch as a PDTIII available from the MSI Data Corporation and includes amicroprocessor, associated memory for storing an instruction program andfor recording data, a keyboard 2911 for data entry, and a display 3011for displaying executing programs and recorded data. The keyboard 2911is reached through the door opening of the unit 1611 and is analternative to the scanner 1811 for entering data that is not bar coded,such as the time and date of treatment and the lot number of the animal,or if the scanner malfunctions. Also shown in the schematic is anoptional liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 3211 connected to theterminal 2811 through a reset switch 3411, a power switch 3511, and aselector switch 3611. The reset switch 3411 reinitializes the module2611. The switch 3511 controls power to the scanner 1811 and LCD screen3211 to electrically disconnect them when not required by the operator.The selector switch 3611 directs the data that is entered via thescanner 1811 into the terminal 2811 to either the LCD screen 3211(visible through the transparent door of unit 1611 above the menu sheet2411) or to the video monitor 2511 via a serial data connector 3811 suchas an RS232 port. These additional display devices are optionallyavailable because of the difficulty in reading the display 3011 from adistance. The LCD screen 3211 is normally selected by a single operatorwhile the monitor 2511 is usually employed when a crew is working in thehospital 1411 and a number of the members must view the displaysimultaneously. The power source for the unit 1611 is a battery 4011which is charged through a power supply line via the connector 3811.

Referring to FIG. 44, the data treatment recorded by the unit 1611 isperiodically transferred to a host computer 5011 remote from the animalhospital 1411 to update the health histories of observed and treatedanimals. The host computer 5011 is intended for collecting data onfeedlot operations in general and maintains the cumulative healthhistory of each animal in the feedlot. The portable unit 1611 whentransferring the data is coupled to the host computer 5011 via aconducting cable 5211. The computer 5011 in turn is adapted to collectthe treatment data recorded within the portable unit 1611 and produce anaccumulation of such data associated with each animal. This accumulationof data comprises the animal's health history. After the current data istransferred, the computer 5011 is programmed to transfer to unit 1611 inreturn the up-to-date health history of each animal as well as currentfeedlot information, such as newly established lot numbers. The cable5211 also includes the power supply line for charging the battery 4011within the unit 1611.

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram showing the elements comprising thecomputer 5011. The computer itself is of conventional design andincludes a video monitor 5411 for displaying data and a keyboard 5611for data entry. The computer 5011 includes an interface board 5811 forreceiving data entered via a second bar code scanner 6211 and a secondlaser interface module 6411. The interface board 5811 transfers the datato and from a central microprocessor 6611 equipped with internal memoryand disk drives. Data and instruction programs stored in memory and ondisk can be viewed on monitor 5411. The computer 5011 is also connectedto a printer 6811 for printing the health histories and other relateddocuments. Power is supplied to the computer through a conventionalpower supply 7211. The power supply 7211 is also coupled to a batterycharger 7411 which supplies power for the unit 1611. The up-to-dateanimal health histories, programming, and other feedlot information aretransmitted as serial data from the computer 5011 along with power tothe unit 1611 via a connector 7611 coupled to the cable 5211.

The host computer 5011 serves a number of functions in addition tocollecting treatment data to produce health histories for each animaltreated. One related function is tracking inventory of drugs fortreatment of the animals. Referring again to FIG. 45, computer 5011 islocated adjacent to a drug room 7711 which stores drug inventory. Eachdrug container 7811 is labeled with a bar code 7911 for identifying thedrugs therein and a menu sheet 8011 is present for entering the amountof drugs within each container when removed for drug treatment and theamount remaining in each container when returned for restocking or whenadditional amounts are added to inventory. The computer 5011 isprogrammed to compare the net amount of drugs taken from the inventoryas communicated by the scanner 6211 against the amount of drugs used intreatment in the animal hospital 1411 as communicated by the scanner1811. The difference between the two amounts over a predetermined timecan thereby be determined for monitoring loss due to breakage, theft,etc. This difference, as well as the comparable amounts, are printed atrequest as a drug usage report as will be described.

FIG. 46 shows a second embodiment of the system for possible use where acontinuous source of power such as AC power is available in the hospital1411. The system includes a remote “dumb” terminal comprising thescanner 1811, the video display 2511, and a keyboard 7511, all incommunication with the host computer 5011 through a node 8311 thatincludes communication ports and a power supply. The terminal acts as anextension of host computer 5011, relaying treatment data to the computerin real time and displaying the up-to-date health histories transferredto the display from the host computer. This real time communication,when possible, avoids the need for physically moving the portable unitto the host computer and the delay in updating the prior healthhistories of the animals.

FIG. 46 also shows data entry means such as a transmitter-receiverantenna 8511 and indicia means such as transponder 8711 attached to anear for identifying the animal 1011. The antenna is preferably of a typesimilar to an RDREO1, integrater reader available from AllflexInternational and the tag is preferably a transponder of the typesimilar to an EID ear tag also available from Allflex International. Theantenna is mounted along side the cattle chute 8911 and emits a signalthat reaches the transponder 8711 when animal 1011 passes by the antenna8511. The tag 8711 in response emits a unique signal identifying theanimal, which is electronically “read” by the antenna 8511 andcommunicated to the host computer 5011 via a computer interface unit9111 such as a CIUMO1 from Allflex International. Alternatively, thetransponder 8711 may be an active transmitter that continuously emits aradio signal for reception by a passive antenna 8511. This means forautomatically identifying the animal avoids the delay associated withthe operator having to move to each animal for identifying it byscanning the ear tag. The entry of treatment data, however, is handledin the same manner as in the first embodiment, with the scanner 1811utilized to scan bar codes on menu sheet 2411 corresponding to physicalconditions and any drug treatment administered to the animal. Thekeyboard 7511, however, is available if data cannot be entered via theantenna 8511 or scanner 1811.

The computer 5011 and data terminal 2811 within unit 1611 are programmedin BASIC, according to the method illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS.47 through 49. FIGS. 47A and B show the options available to theoperator upon logging onto the computer 5011. A main menu (8111) appearswith three options. An inventory menu (8211) is selected for workingwith the drug inventory; a hospital/processing menu (8411) is selectedfor working with the cattle feedlot records; or the procedure formonitoring the removal and restocking of drugs is selected as drugs areto be used, such as in the animal hospital 1411. With this third option,the operator scans the bar code 7911 of the containers 7811 that containdrugs required for treatment. He is then prompted to specify the purposeof the drug (8611), specify the cattle lots the drug is being used for(8811), and to enter the drug amounts removed and restocked (9011). Thisdata is used to adjust the book inventory stored within the computer'smemory (9211). The entry of data is indicated by “carriage returns”(CR).

The inventory menu option (8211) is selected for monitoring theinventory. For example, one choice thereunder is to print the dailyinventory report, with the book inventory, restocking information, andtransactions grouped by product (9411). Another option is to manuallyadjust the inventory in case of a breakage of drugs within the inventory(9611). Other options include monitoring the difference between physicalinventory as determined by a count and book inventory as determined bythe checking in and checking out of drugs previously described. From theinventory menu (8211), the operator can also enter the physicalinventory for comparison against the book inventory (9811). Thedifference between physical inventory and book inventory of each product(1001) can then be presented. The actual physical usage as determined bya physical inventory of the drugs can be compared with the amountadministered (1021). The totals can then be adjusted as appropriate(1041). The operator can additionally print the net amount taken frominventory for drug treatment against the amount recorded from theportable unit 1611 (1051) as administered.

The third option of the main menu (8111), the hospital/processing menu(8411), enables the operator to set up new lots for cattle brought intothe feedlot and to prepare group drug treatments known as processingorders and hospital treatments which are administered to the animals.Referring now to FIG. 48B, a first option is a lot number menu (1061)appearing at the right of the figure and is selected whenever a newcattle lot is to be set up (1081). This menu allows the operator to addheader information to the lot (1101), change the header information(1121), or review the lots presently within the feedlot operation(1141). The lot menu (1061) also includes an option for deleting acattle lot (1161) after the cattle within the lot have been shipped fromthe feedlot.

A second option under the hospital processing menu is a processing ordermenu (1181). Within this menu is a command for adding a processing order(1201). First, a number is assigned to a unique combination of drugs tobe administered as the processing order or treatment (1221). The drugsdesired are then selected (1241), and the dosages per head or per 100pounds are entered (1261). The selection of drugs and dosages are thenrepeated until the processing order is complete (1271). The menu (1181)also permits the operator to print a list of current processing orders(1281) or delete an existing processing order (1301). An operator canalso view a present processing order (1321) and change it if desired(1341) by changing the drugs or their amounts (1361).

Referring now to FIG. 48A, a third option under the hospital/processingmenu (8411) is a hospital treatment menu (1371). Hospital treatmentsdiffer from processing orders in that hospital treatments are normallyintended for specific sicknesses and include a combination of drugs fortreating that sickness. Processing orders, on the other hand, are notdirected to specific sicknesses and are typically administered to allcattle in a lot, outside the animal hospital 1411. The hospitaltreatment menu (1371) includes basically the same selections as in theprocessing order menu (1181) and for brevity descriptions of theselections therein are not repeated here.

The other options under the hospital/processing menu (8411) include anoption (1381) at the left of FIG. 48A enabling the operator to assignand record treatments for the animals without entering the data throughthe portable unit 1611. This option minimizes data entry where it isknown that all cattle in a given lot will receive a specified treatment.The option (1381) includes a command for updating the figures for drugsused in each hospital treatment (1401). A similar option (1421) allowsthe operator to assign one or more drugs or processing orders to one ormore lots. The operator can print the processing sheet for each order(1441) and also has the ability to update figures in the orders for thedrugs used (1461).

Just as he can assign drugs and treatments to lots, the operator has theoption of deleting and editing treatments (1481). These options includedeleting previously assigned treatments (1501), editing existingtreatments for a given animal (1521), and entering new hospitaltreatments for a given animal (1541).

Communication via cable 5211 with the portable unit 1611 is also handledthrough the hospital/processing menu (8411). The menu (8411) allows theoperator to print the daily hospital report (1561) of the animalstreated as well as receive the day's hospital treatment from theportable (1581). The daily treatments are stored on disk in appropriatelot files (1601). The operator can also print the day's hospital andprocessing activity with cost information (1621). The updated healthhistory and new lot numbers are then downloaded into the portable unit1611 to keep it current (1641). The program also updates in memory theamount of drugs used in treating each animal (1661).

One concern of feedlots is the shipping of cattle not yet suitable forconsumption. A further option under the menu (8411) allows the operatorto check when a lot may be shipped (1681) by entering the lot number andestimated shipping date (1701). Animals that are not ready for shippingwithin the lot are then displayed by number (1721).

Referring again to FIG. 48B, an operator selects the report/printoutmenu option (1741) whenever a report on treatments administered for eachlot is required. Under menu (1741), an operator can print a treatmentreport which indicates all hospital treatments between any two givendates (1761). The operator may also print the lot reports which indicateall treatment with drug cost, both processing and hospital, administeredto a specified lot since a lot was created (1781). A third selection isfor summarizing information on each lot by simply printing the header(1801).

One other option shown allows the operator under menu (8411) to enterthe sickness names such as bloat, prolapse, etc., that will berecognized by the portable unit 1611 and will appear on menu sheet 2411(1861). If the sickness codes are changed at the hospital/processingmenu, the menu sheet 2411 is also updated.

The treatment data recorded in the portable unit 1611 during a treatmentsession is entered in response to prompts from the instructional programstored within the terminal 2811. FIGS. 49A-49C illustrate the operationof this program. Referring to FIG. 49A, the program prompts the operator1211 on the display such as video monitor 2511 to enter the date andtime of treatment via the keyboard 2911 (2001). A main menu (2021) thenappears on the monitor 2511, which gives the operator several choices.One choice allows the operator to include and exclude various promptsand verifications of entered data which appear throughout the figure.Deletion of verifications, shown in these flowcharts, may be made byexperienced operators who know the program operation well. The secondchoice commands the unit 1611 to transfer its data to the host computer5011. A third choice allows for the entry of treatment data initially.

The operator thus begins treatment with this third choice by scanningthe appropriate number on the menu sheet 2411. He is then prompted toscan the ear tag of the animal to be treated or key in the tag number toidentify the animal to the unit 1611 (2031). If he scans the tag, thenumber is automatically verified (2041). If keyed in, the ear tag numberis then displayed so that the operator may visually verify his entry(2051) before scanning a CR. Once the ear tag has been verified, theprogram checks to see if the animal is new or has a previous treatmenthistory (2061). If the animal does have a record, the monitor 2511displays the last treatment for the animal (2081). The operator can thenscroll through previous treatments (2101) via commands on menu sheet2411 to determine the health history of the animal (2121). The operatorcan also quit the program by scanning the quit command on the menu sheet2411. The quit option is always available throughout the program, thoughnot repeatedly shown in the figure for clarity. All data entered beforethe quit command is invoked is recorded. On the other hand, the operatorcan always “bail out” of the program if trouble develops therein byscanning the numerals 9999. No data entered during a treatment sessionis saved if the operator “bails out.”

If no previous treatments have been administered, the operator entersthe lot number through keyboard 2911 (2131) and scans the CR. Theprogram then compares the lot number with those stored in memory. If itis a new lot number, the program alerts the operator that it is includedand prompts for reentry. Entering the same number a second timeestablishes the lot number. The program then prompts the operator toverify his entry (2141), which he does by a CR scan.

The operator is then prompted to enter a sickness code (2161), such as arespiratory or intestinal condition, appearing on the menu sheet 2411.The code is then displayed momentarily for the operator's verification(2201). If the sickness code entered indicates the animal is dead(2221), this data is stored immediately (2241) and the treatment sessionis ended. If the animal is merely sick, however, the operator isprompted for the severity of the illness and enters a severity codenumber in response such as 1, 2, or 3 (2261) from the menu sheet 2411.

Following entry of the animal's identity and sickness diagnosis, theoperator may be prompted for other physical conditions such as theanimal's temperature. Referring to FIG. 49B, he enters the temperature(2321) in response, and it is displayed by the program for operatorverification. The last recorded temperature is also displayed (2341).The program then prompts the operator for the animal's destination, andthe operator enters the pen type and particular pen number by scanningthe corresponding numbers on the menu screen 2411 (2401, 2421). Thesepen types include home pens, recovery pens, or hospital pens such ashospital 1411.

Following the intended destination, the operator is prompted to enternumbers identifying the drug or hospital treatment to be administered tothe animal (2441). Each individual drug and hospital treatment has aunique identification number. If the number entered by the operator isgreater than 1000, i.e., has four digits, then the program determinesthat an individual drug is to be administered (2461). The identificationnumber is then checked against a stored list to determine if it is valid(2481). The operator is alerted if the number is invalid, and he mayattempt reentry (2501). Once a valid identification number has beenentered, the program checks to determine if the drug requires awithdrawal date (2521). Certain drugs require that the animal be kept inthe feedlot for a period of time after it is administered a drug toprevent undesired side effects to consumers. The program has storedwithin it the time period for each drug and calculates from thetreatment data the earliest release date of the animal thereafter. Ifthe drug has a withdrawal problem, the information is displayed (2541)and the operator is given the opportunity to reconsider administeringthe drug (2561). If no withdrawal date is displayed or if the operatorchooses to administer the drug in any event, the program then promptsthe operator to enter the number of units to be administered (2581). Theamount entered is checked against an allowable dosage range to protectthe animal from an overdose. The portable unit 1611 then verifies thenumber of units to be administered (2601). This drug treatment data isstored within the memory of the terminal 2811 for later transfer to thecomputer 5011 (2621). The operator is then queried if more treatmentsare to be given the animal in the present treatment session (2641).

Administering and recording hospital treatments are similar to the stepsfollowed for individual drugs. Returning to step (2461) and thenreferring to FIG. 49C, an entered number less than 1000, i.e., twodigits, is first verified by the operator as a hospital treatment number(2661) via a scanned CR. The program then checks to see if the numberentered is a valid treatment number (2681). The operator is alerted ifthe number is invalid (2701). If the number is valid, the program thendetermines if there is a withdrawal problem with this treatment (2721)and displays the appropriate information if such problem exists (2741).The operator again has the option to proceed or choose another treatmentor drug (2761). The program also determines whether the treatment has aweight dependent dosage (2781). If so, the program prompts the operatorto enter the animal's weight (2801), which must fall within apredetermined range to be accepted as valid. The entered weight is thenverified by the operator (2821) via a scanned CR, and the programcalculates and displays the dosages to be administered (2841). Theoperator at this point can accept or reject the treatment as calculated(2861). If accepted and administered, the amount of treatment is thenstored (2881).

The operator is then prompted to determine if further drugs or treatmentis to be administered to the particular animal (2901) in this treatmentsession. If treatment is finished, all data is then stored within thememory of the terminal 2811 and the operator proceeds to examine thenext animal. Once treatment is concluded, the operator quits the program(2921).

At the conclusion of the day or other predetermined reporting period,the unit 1611 is carried to the location of the computer 5011 and thetwo connected by cable 5211. Referring again to FIG. 49A, the operatorthen initiates data transfer via the main menu of the program within theunit 1611 (2021). The appropriate commands are first selected on thehost computer 5011 (1561-1601). The operator then enters a transfercommand in response to a prompt (2941), and the data is transferred(2961). The transferred data is collected to update the health historiesof the animals treated in that session. The updated health histories arethen transferred back to the terminal 2811 for review and display insteps (2081) through (2121).

Where the “dumb” terminal is employed in place of the portable unit1611, the instructional program illustrated in FIGS. 49A-C is storedwithin the memory of the host computer 5011. No recording of data forlater transfer, however, is required.

IX.) Tissue Analysis

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor measuring tissue characteristics of animals. These process steps andsystem components can be used in conjunction with the disclosed AIF.

FIG. 50 is a block diagram, which illustrates certain components for anembodiment. FIG. 50 also illustrates certain fluid and electricinterconnections between these components. The illustrated embodimentincludes switch unit 4161 and handpiece 4181. A monitor 4201 (not shown)also is used. Power source 4221 is electrically coupled to each unitrequiring power. More specifically, power source 4221 is electricallycoupled to control computer 4241 by cable 4261, to ultrasound computer4281 by cable 4301, to input/output module 4321 by cable 4341, and topump 4361 using cable 4381. Pump 4361 is controlled by pump control4401, which is electrically coupled to a three-way solenoid valve 4421by cable 4441. A data cable 4461 interconnects control computer 4241 andultrasound computer 4281. FIG. 50 also illustrates that the ultrasoundcomputer 4281 is electrically coupled to switch unit 4161 by cable 4481.Input/output module 4321 also is electrically coupled to the handpiece4181 by cable 4501.

Pump 4361 is fluidly coupled to reservoir 4521, which contains aconductive fluid, by fluid conduit 4541. Pump 4361 is further fluidlycoupled to switch unit 4161 by fluid line 4561. As shown in FIG. 50, aquick disconnect 4581 may be placed in fluid line 4561. This quickdisconnect 4581 is provided solely for convenience, and allows the pumpfluid line 4561 to be quickly disconnected from handpiece 4181.

Each of the individual lines, namely electric cables 4481, 4501, andfluid line 4561, are interfaced with the handpiece 4181 by switch unit4161. Each of the components of the apparatus can be individuallyactuated using the switches 4601, 4621 and 4641 on switch unit 4161.Thus, by depressing the appropriate switch, each function of theapparatus can be actuated.

The components of the apparatus mentioned above will now be described inmore detail. Power source 4221 is a conventional piece of equipment thatcan be obtained commercially. Virtually any power source now known orhereafter developed that can safely power sensitive electronicapparatuses.

Control computer 4241 also is a conventional piece of equipment, and anycomputer which has sufficient capability to control and interface withultrasound computer 4281 will suffice. One example, without limitation,of a control computer 4241 suitable for this operation is an IBM PC.Control computer 4241 controls certain functions of the ultrasoundcomputer 4281. Commercial software is available for operating thecontrol computer 4241 to control ultrasound computer 4281. One exampleof software suitable for this operation is sold by Animal UltrasoundServices, Inc., of Ithaca, N.Y.

The present apparatus operates by generating and transmitting intolivestock an ultrasound energy pulse. This energy pulse is produced andcontrolled by ultrasound computer 4281 and ultrasound transducer 4661.Each of these components can be purchased. One example of an ultrasoundapparatus is an ALOKA 500 V Ultrasound Computer. The ALOKA 500 V ispurchased in combination with an ultrasound transducer 4661 andtransducer cable 4681 for coupling the transducer 4661 to the computer4281.

Input/output module 4321 controls the signals input to and from computer4241 and to the components housed in handpiece 4181. Again, the I/Omodule 4321 is a conventional piece of equipment, and virtually anyinput/output module 4321. One prototype was assembled using an OPTO 22I/O board. The OPTO 22 I/O board includes: a 1AC5Q input module; aPB16HQ circuit board; a B1 brainboard; a PBSA PP/S power supply; and anOAC5Q output module.

A pump 4361 pumps conductive liquid to handpiece 4181. The conductiveliquid is contained in reservoir 4521. Any conductive liquid likely willwork. The selection of a suitable conductive liquid will best be decidedby considering, inter alia, the conductivity of the liquid, the expenseof the liquid, the availability of the liquid and the toxicity of theliquid. Solely by way of example, suitable conductive liquids may beselected from the group of conductive liquids consisting of water,vegetable oil and mineral oil. Pump 4361 is liquidly connected toconductive liquid reservoir 4521 using liquid conduit 4541, which wasmade from flexible TIGON tubing. A pressure equalization tube 4701, alsomade from TIGON tubing, couples the liquid reservoir 4521 and the pump4361. Pressure equalization tube 4701 equalizes the pressure between thepump 4361 and the reservoir 4521 when the pump 4361 is not in operation.This helps prevent liquid leaks from reservoir 4521.

Conductive liquid is dispensed from reservoir 4521 upon actuation of thepump 4361. Liquid dispensation is controlled by a three-way solenoidvalve 4421, which is electrically coupled to pump control 4401.Three-way valve 4421 can be electrically actuated by switch 4601, whichis housed in switch unit 4161. This dispenses conductive liquid fromreservoir 4521 through liquid conduits 4541 and 4561 to handpiece 4181.When the pump 4361 is not in use, the solenoid valve is open to pressureequalization tube 4701 to equalize the pressure between the pump 4361and reservoir 4521. Liquid back flow from handpiece 4181 can be checkedby a check valve 4721, which is mechanically coupled to the handpiece4181.

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram of the switch unit 4161, handpiece 4181,cables 4481, 4501, and liquid conduit 4561. FIG. 51 shows transducer4661 separated from handpiece 4181. FIG. 51 further shows thatultrasound transducer 4661 is surrounded by a clear protective housing4741. Housing 4741 performs at least two functions. First, housing 4741protects ultrasound transducer 4661 from contact damage. Furthermore,protective-housing 4741 facilitates the positioning of transducer 4661in handpiece 4181 as described below. The protective housing 4741 in aprototype illustrated in FIG. 51 was made from TIGON tubing sized totightly receive transducer 4661 therein.

FIG. 52 is a schematic top plan view and FIG. 53 is an end viewillustrating switch unit 4161. In a prototype, switch unit 4161 was madefrom a polypropylene block that was machined to include passages 4761and 4781 therethrough. Conduit 4761 provides a passage through switchunit 4161 for liquid line 4561. Passage 4781 provides a passage throughswitch unit 4161 for electric cables 4481 and 4501. Switch unit 4161includes three switches 4601, 4621 and 4641. The switches includeconductive liquid switch 4601, trigger switch 4621 for commanding thecomputer to read and analyze the image, and reset switch 4641 forclearing a previous reading to prepare for rereading an animal orreading a new animal. These switches and their functions also areillustrated in FIG. 57. Switch 4601 actuates liquid pump 4361 so thatconductive liquid from reservoir 4521 is pumped through liquid line 4561and into handpiece 4181. The amount of time that pump 4361 operates isgoverned by a timer switch on pump 4361 (not shown). Thus, by actuatingswitch 4601, pump 4361 is induced to pump conductive liquid fromreservoir 4521 for the period of time allowed by the timer switch on thepump. In a current prototype, the pump 4361 is actuated for a period ofless than about 5 seconds, and typically about 3 seconds, during whichtime less than about 50 milliliters, and more typically about 30milliliters, is pumped from reservoir 4521 to the handpiece 4181.

A second switch 4621 is electrically coupled to the ultrasound computer4281 by cable 4481. Switch 4621 activates the computer 4281 to read andanalyze the ultrasound image that is produced by transducer 4661 asdisplayed on monitor 4201. Thus, once the transducer 4661 is correctlypositioned, operator 5141 depresses switch 4621 to cause the computer4281 to read the ultrasound image.

A third switch 4641 also is provided on switch unit 4161. Switch 4641 isa reset switch electrically coupled to input/output module 4321 by cable4501. Switch 4641 is depressed by operator 5141 when the image has beenread by computer 4281 or when the operator wants to discard a previousreading and record a new reading of a given animal's image. This caninclude reapplying conductive liquid from the handpiece 4181 onto theanimal. This resets the computer 4241 and input/output module 4321 forreceiving new information from a different animal 5101.

FIGS. 53-55 further illustrate the construction of handpiece 4181. FIG.54 is a side schematic view of the housing 4181. Housing 4181 ismanufactured for this particular application, and can be manufacturedfrom a number of suitable materials. The embodiment of a prototypeillustrated in FIGS. 53-55 was manufactured from polypropylene. A blockof polypropylene having suitable dimensions was obtained and thenmachined to have substantially the appearance illustrated in FIGS.53-55.

More particularly, handpiece 4181 is machined to include a threadedinlet 4801 for receiving liquid line 4561. Any suitable means forcoupling the liquid line 4561 to housing 4181 will suffice. FIGS. 53-55illustrate a male threaded connection 4821 which is inserted intothreaded portion 4841 of passage 4801 to couple liquid line 4561 tohousing 4181. Housing 4181 also is machined to include a passage 4861for interconnecting liquid inlet 4801 and a liquid conduit 4881. Liquidconduit 4861 is closed using a threaded plug 4901, and liquid conduit4881 is closed by a threaded plug 4921.

FIG. 55 is a bottom plan view and FIG. 56 is an end view of thehandpiece 4181. FIGS. 55 and 56 illustrate a longitudinal slot 4941recessed in the bottom surface of the handpiece 4181. Slot 4941 is sizedto receive the transducer 4661 and protective cover 4741. If, however,the transducer 4661 and cover 4741 are not received sufficiently tightlyin slot 4941 to hold the ultrasound transducer 4661 securely therein, anadditional polypropylene wedge (not shown) can be used to wedgeultrasound transducer 4661 and protective cover 4741 inside the slot4941.

FIG. 55 also illustrates that leading to and intersecting with theconduit 4881 are plural output orifices 4961 a-4961 h. These orifices4961 a-4961 h are fed by liquid line 4561. Thus, as a conductive liquidenters the handpiece 4181 through liquid line 4561 and inlet 4801, theconductive liquid flows through the passage 4861, into passage 4881 andthereafter through the plural orifices 4961 a-4961 h and onto animal4101. The spacing of these plural orifices 4961 a-4961 h is notcritical. The embodiment illustrated in the figures has a relativespacing of approximately one-half inch between each respective orifice4961 a-4961 h.

FIG. 55 also illustrates that the handpiece 4181 includes pluralposition markings 4981 a-4981 e. As stated above, transducer 4661 andprotective cover 4741 are positioned in slot 4941. The transducer 4661and cover 4741 are firmly wedged into the slot 4941 and betweensidewalls 5001 and 5021. A mid-portion of the transducer 4661 iscentered on one of these respective positioning marks 4981 a-4981 edepending upon the size of the animal, before the transducer is fixed inits selected position relative to end wall 5041. More specifically, thesmaller the animal, the closer transducer 4661 is positioned to end wall5041 of slot 4941.

The preceding paragraphs describe one embodiment of an ultrasoundapparatus. This section discusses how to operate the apparatus, withparticular reference to measuring tissue characteristics of cattle at apacking plant.

Cattle are conveyed seriatim using conveyor 5001 to a tissue analysiszone 5021 in a packing plant. As illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59, theultrasound device and computer control system described above can beused to analyze the tissue characteristics of the stunned ruminant atthe packing plant. With transducer 4661 transmitting continuousultrasound signals, the operator positions handpiece 4181 on the back ofthe animal 5101. The operation of the apparatus is not criticallyaffected by the positioning of the apparatus on the back of the animal,but its positioning is important for obtaining accurate measurement dataof a desired internal tissue characteristic. Transducer 4661 can bepositioned between the twelfth and thirteenth rib, and typically isfocused on the rib-eye muscle approximately three-quarters of the waydown the muscle. Once housing 4181 is correctly positioned, the operatorthen actuates switch 4601 to dispense a predetermined amount ofconductive liquid from reservoir 4521 onto the back of the stunnedruminant 5101. A sufficient amount of the conductive liquid is dispensedonto the ruminant 5101 through line 4561, passages 4861 and 4881, andorifices 4961 a-4961 h to obtain a clear image on a monitor (not shown).The amount of liquid dispensed is not critical, except that there mustbe enough to obtain a clear signal from the ultrasound transducer 4661.Solely by way of example, less than about 50 milliliters, and moretypically about 30 milliliters, of conductive liquid should suffice.Pump 4361 can be actuated for particular predetermined lengths of time.The pump speed also can be controlled. The combination of controllingthe pump speed and liquid dispensation time allows operator 5141 to varythe amount of liquid dispensed upon animal 5101 with each actuation ofswitch 4601.

Positioning the transducer 4661 is facilitated by monitoring theultrasound tissue image on a monitor. If the monitor indicates that thetransducer 4661 is not correctly positioned, the transducer 4661 can beremoved from slot 4941 in the handpiece 4181 and repositioned. Once thisis done for the first animal in a group of animals the transducer 4661likely will be correctly adjusted for all animals in the group.

Once a suitable amount of conductive liquid is dispensed, whichgenerally takes less than about seconds, and more typically about 3seconds, operator 5141 then positions transducer 4661 against the animal5101 over the oil and between the twelfth and thirteenth rib of theanimal 5101. The transducer 4661 is held steady in this position whileoperator 5141 watches the monitor. Once a suitable image is obtained,operator 5141 actuates trigger switch 4621, which is electricallycoupled to the ultrasound computer 4281. By actuating switch 4621,ultrasound computer 4281 records the image and data, and calculates andrecords particular measurements of the animal 5101. The data acquisitionperformed by ultrasound computer 4281 is controlled by computer 4241.Software is commercially available for running computer 4241. Thissoftware can determine certain tissue characteristics using theultrasound data, which includes backfat, intramuscular marbling, muscledimensions and the location of a fat deposit, such as the rib eye fatkernel. Thus, software can be selected to perform particularmeasurements on each animal, and measurement data obtained can bedisplayed on the monitor. If insufficient or inaccurate data is receivedfrom a reading, and if the plant processing rate provides the operatortime, the animal can be remeasured. This is done by pressing resetswitch 4641 and again pressing trigger switch 4621 to take a newreading.

The information obtained for each animal 5101 is downloaded intocomputer 4241. The animal 5101 is continuously conveyed by conveyor 5001along the processing line as an operator conducts tissue analysis. Oncethe tissue analysis is completed, then operator 5141 moves theultrasound tissue imaging and analysis device adjacent another stunnedand bled ruminant for tissue imaging and analysis. Prior to applying thetransducer 4661 to the back of the next animal, the operator actuatesreset switch 4641. This clears the computer 4241 and prepares it toreceive new data. The process is then repeated.

FIG. 58 illustrates that the tissue analysis can be performed by asingle ultrasound operator 5141 using an ultrasound tissue imaging andanalysis device as described above. FIG. 59 illustrates an alternativemethod for tissue imaging and analysis involving two operators. In thisembodiment, the stunned and bled ruminant is conveyed to a firstposition adjacent a first operator. The first operator can eitherperform ultrasound analysis on the stunned cattle, with the secondoperator repeating the ultrasound measurements made by the firstoperator. Alternatively, the first and second operators can performultrasound analysis on every other cow so that operators 5141 can matchthe conveying speed of conveyor 5001.

Still another alternative method is to have a first operator 5141 applyan ultrasound image enhancing fluid to the animal's hide at the rib-eyeportion. This animal is then conveyed to a position adjacent a secondoperator 5141. The second operator 5141 then performs ultrasound tissueimaging and analysis adjacent the rib-eye portion of the ruminant 5101as the ruminant is being conveyed by conveyor 5001. The second operator5141 adjusts the position of the ultrasound tissue analysis device untila good image is obtained. The ultrasound imaging and analysis device isthen actuated to obtain and store tissue data.

The method takes less than about fifteen seconds per animal to perform,typically less than about ten seconds to perform, and more typicallyless than about 10 seconds to perform, and more typically about 5-7seconds to perform. The information obtained is then used to makecalculations as discussed below, and is available to both the packingplant operator and the feedlot operator in real time. This is asignificant improvement over conventional methods.

Data obtained using tissue analyses on the stunned and bled ruminant canbe used to perform a variety of calculations, such as those discussed inPratt's U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,647. For example, yield and quality can bedetermined. The ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis device is used tomake a number of measurements, including rib eye dimensions, backfatthickness and determinations of rib eye area and marbling. To make suchmeasurements, the ultrasound device focuses on and locates particulartissue characteristics, including, for example, a particular fatdeposit, such as the rib eye fat kernel. As soon as a good ultrasoundtissue image is obtained, the measurements discussed above are made, andare recorded in a computer or on computer readable medium. Such data iscorrelated with the animal's electronic identification tag, as well asinformation determined for each animal at the feedlot.

The data obtained by ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis at a packingplant is itself indicative of meat quality and/or yield, such as thebackfat measurements, or can be used to make other calculations, such asyield grade. Yield grade is a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the mostlean and 5 the least lean.

Typically, cattle backfat thickness varies from about 0.1 inch to about1.0 inch thick. Rib eye area typically varies from about 9 square inchesto about 15 square inches. Yield grade is determined by considering atleast rib eye area and backfat. First though, solely with respect tobackfat, backfat measuring greater than about 0.7 inch thick generallyresults in a yield grade of 4 or better. Average cattle have a backfatthickness ranging from about 0.4 inch to about 0.7 inch, and suchbackfat generally results in a yield grade of 3. Less backfat results ina yield grade of 1-2.

But, as stated above, yield grade also considers rib eye area. The USDAyield grade is determined by considering backfat thickness, rib eyearea, hot carcass weight (which is determined by weighing both halves ofa carcass about 15 minutes after initial processing) and pelvic, kidneyand heart fat (PKH) values. Thus, for example, if a particular animalhas a relatively small rib eye area and relatively thick backfat, thenthe animal likely will receive a yield grade of 4 or 5. And, if theanimal has relatively large rib-eye area and relatively little backfat,then the animal likely would receive a yield grade of 1-2.

Marbling also can be determined using ultrasound tissue imaging andanalysis of ruminants at packing plants. Marbling is determined bycomputer analysis of contrast differences in the ultrasound image. Aquality grade is then assigned to the animal to reflect the marblingcontent. Marbling is specified as standard (which correlates with theleast amount of marbling), select, choice and prime (prime correlateswith the most amount of marbling).

Data collected at the packing plant is available much sooner than ifconventional methods are used, such as waiting for and relying ongovernment grading or area analyses of rib eye tracings. The presentmethod makes such information available in real time to the packingplant operator, who could choose to provide such information virtuallysimultaneously to the feedlot operator. This accelerates payment allalong the ruminant processing chain.

Moreover, the information provided by the method appears more objectivethan the grading information provided by the government grading system.And, tissue characteristics are obtained prior to processing the stunnedruminant to a carcass by, amongst other things, removing the hide andperhaps simultaneously portions of backfat. Because the present systemis based on collecting and analyzing repeated tissue body measurements,it is both more reliable and correlates better with the actual yield ofthe stunned and bled ruminant.

And, because the information concerning each animal is available soonerand generally is more accurate and reliable than the currently usedsubjective grading techniques, both the feedlot and packing plantoperators can make use of such information for management decisions. Asused herein “management decisions” depends on whether this refers tofeedlot management or packing plant management. Packing plant managementdecisions are discussed above, and in Pratt U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,647.“Packing plant management decisions” typically refers to, for example:(a) sorting cattle; (b) further distribution; (c) pricing for eitherpurchase or sell; (d) classifying inventory; (e) valuing inventory; and(f) selecting feedlot suppliers. It should be realized that informationprovided the feedlot operators can be used to change the subsequenttreatment of individual animals at the feedlot, such as to increase ordecrease feed, or to administer certain materials, such as growthfactors. Because animal grading is done virtually simultaneously withprocessing of the animal at the packing plant using the method, thecarcasses emerging from the processing area can be sorted into groupsbased on predetermined criteria, such as customer desires, yield,quality, carcass weights, size of cuts, etc. This, along with the factthat the information is available in real time, provides the packingplant operator better information faster concerning packing plantinventory. The feedlot also can be provided the information sooner, sothat feedlot management decisions based on the information provided bythe packing plant can be made much sooner and with more reliability thancan be achieved using conventional methods.

This example describes a method for performing ultrasound tissueanalysis of cattle in a packing plant prior to processing the cattle tocarcasses. An electronic I.D. tag was placed on a trolley hook at apoint where the rear leg of each animal was transferred from shackle totrolley. A portable tag reader was used to read the tag as it was placedon the hook, and this information was stored to establish the sequenceof cattle on the trolley.

FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram illustrating how ultrasound tissueimaging and analysis devices were positioned in a packing plant for thisprocedure. Just past the transfer point for transferring the stunnedanimal from the shackle to the trolley, the ultrasound tissue analysiszone was defined. Vegetable oil, about 18 milliliters, was applied tothe hide on the left side between the 12th and 13th ribs before eachanimal was conveyed to a position adjacent an ultrasound technician.

FIG. 59 illustrates two ultrasound operators 5141 performing ultrasoundanalysis on ruminant 5101 in a packing plant. Operators 5141 areillustrated as using one embodiment of an ultrasound tissue imaging andanalysis system as described in more detail above comprising a switch4161, and a hand piece 5181. The two successive ultrasound operators5141 used two identical computer/ultrasound systems, although it will beapparent that the two ultrasound systems need not be the same.

Following ultrasound measurement and prior to removing the head from theanimal a portable tag reader was used to read the electronicidentification tag which was removed from the ear of the animal. Thiselectronic identification number was matched to the trolley sequencenumber and electronic identification tag on the trolley.

Ultrasound tissue analysis was performed on cattle processed at thepacking plant. The tissue measurements made by the ultrasound devicewere stored with each animal's individual identification tag number,sequence number and trolley identification number in a computer.

A second I.D. in a form of an USDA-approved edible bar coded label wasapplied to the exposed brisket area. The edible label had a five-digitnumber printed thereon for visual reading, in addition to a bar code tobe read by a hand-held reader immediately after the label was fixed tothe brisket. The carcass was weighed at the hot scale. The packingplant's carcass tag was then fixed to the carcass, and the weight wasrecorded along with the plant's carcass I.D. number on a tablet. Thetrolley I.D. and bar code label were read electronically to re-establishthe sequence of cattle on the trolley in case some ruminants wererailed-off by a USDA inspector for trimming and observation before beingrailed back in the moving chain. After all carcasses in the test leftthe packing plant for chilling, the hot carcass weight was linked to theultrasound-derived data of backfat, rib eye area and marbling score in afile in a computer.

Yield grade, quality grade closely trimmed retail yield and pounds ofeach ruminant were calculated for each cattle processed using publishedformulas.

This example describes a method for grading carcasses at a packing plantwhere objectively measured carcass data was used rather than the normalmethod of visual observation by graders. Immediately after the carcasseswere ribbed, a numbered paper was applied to the rib eye of the leftside of the carcass. The paper was removed after the rib eye impressionhad been made, and was traced at a later time for determining actual ribeye area on all carcasses. Immediately after the paper was removed fromthe rib eye, the backfat was measured with an approved preliminary-graderuler. This measurement was recorded on a paper that was removed fromthat rib eye.

Each carcass was graded by a grader employing official procedures of theUSDA meat grading service, and stamped accordingly with yield andquality grades. A second person from the USDA meat grading serviceobserved the carcass as trained and then observed a computer screendisplaying the yield and quality grades as calculated on day ofslaughter by the ultrasound derived data plus the hot carcass weight. Ifthe USDA grader agreed with the calculated value, he pressed the touchscreen computer and a label was printed and fixed to the carcass byanother worker to confirm the calculated values. If the USDA grader didnot agree, he adjusted PYG, RIB EYE, and/or KPH to change the calculatedyield grade and marbling score to change the quality grade. When thedisplayed yield grade and quality grade matched the USDA grader'sevaluation, he pressed a print button on the touch screen computer and alabel was printed and fixed to the carcass.

A second touch screen computer was made available to the plant grader.He could observe the carcass and compare his subjective value to thatdisplayed on the screen. He could then make changes to PYG, KPH and ribeye to adjust the yield grade and marbling score to adjust the qualitygrade.

Every thirtieth carcass was railed off for measuring PYG with theofficial ruler and rib eye using an official grid device. Three people,two USDA meat-grading graders and one IBP selected grader, independentlymeasured each carcass railed off. The three independent measurementswere averaged to establish the official reference measurements.

The results from the examples demonstrate that tissue analysis made onruminants in packing plants can provide yield grades, rib eye areas andmarbling, for example, that correlate well with those obtained by theconventional processes. Moreover, the data provided by the tissueanalysis at the packing plant is available in real time for analysis bythe packing plant, the feedlot, and others in the processing line. Thisnot only expedites payment to all persons in the processing line, butfurther also allows the feedlot to adjust its methods of processingruminants, and allows the packing plant operators to better controltheir inventory.

X.) Feed Delivery 1

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor delivering feed to animals. These process steps and systemcomponents can be used in conjunction with the disclosed AIF.

The microingredient feed additive concentrates include such potentsubstances as hormones, antibiotics, and vitamins that are typicallyadministered to cattle and poultry at feeding operations, such as cattlefeedlots, in gram amounts or less. It is often essential that aprescribed amount of a microingredient be delivered to an animal, and nomore. Too little of a microingredient has no effect, while too much ofit may be toxic or fatal. The range between too much or too little ofsome additives is often no more than 0.5 gram. The apparatus and methoddisclosed in this detailed description is intended to accuratelydispense dry and liquid additive concentrates within this range ofaccuracy.

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 61 illustrates an apparatus showngenerally at 1013 for measuring, dispensing, and deliveringmicroingredient feed additive concentrates in small but accurateproportions in a liquid carrier slurry to livestock shortly beforedelivery of the feed ration to the animals for consumption. Theapparatus 1013 includes several separate components including a maincabinet 1113, and a remote control unit 2013, shown for convenience nearcabinet 1113 but normally located at a remote control station such as ata feed truck filling station in a feedlot. Additional separatecomponents include multiple liquid additive concentrate storagecontainers 7613, 7813 (only one being shown in FIG. 61) supported on astand 7713, and their dispensing pumps 7913 (see FIG. 62). Typically, aseparate water supply tank 1953 (FIG. 64) supplies the necessary carrierand flush water to the cabinet through fill and flush conduits (FIG.70), via a booster pump 1933 (FIG. 64).

Another separate cabinet (not shown) houses a weigh micro computer, orcentral processing unit, shown schematically at 4243 in FIG. 64. Asecond microcomputer, or central processing unit, shown schematically at4303 in FIG. 64, for controlling the machine sequencing and volumetricmetering functions, is housed within one end portion 1313 of cabinet1113. Various speed controls and electrical relay interfaces andcircuitry of the control system shown in FIG. 64 are also housed withincabinet end portion 1313. Such end portion is a separate compartment ofcabinet 1113 that can be swung open about a hinged vertical axis foraccess.

Cabinet 1113 houses the major mechanical components of the apparatus.The exterior of the cabinet, with its protective panels 1213, completelyencloses and shields such components from external dust, dirt and othercontaminants common in a feedlot environment. The panels also protectthe internal components, especially the weight-sensitive ones, fromexternal forces such as wind, jarring contact, and the like, that wouldotherwise affect the accuracy of weight measurements.

Referring to FIG. 64 showing the major components inside the cabinet1113, such components include a main frame 4613 and an entirely separateand independently mounted subframe 3413, each mounting certaincomponents. Access to the components mounted on these frames is gainedthrough access doors 1513, 1713, 1913 in a front wall of the cabinet1113, and through hinged lids 1613, 1813 on a top wall of the cabinet.

In general, weigh subframe 3413 mounts those components which arenecessary to the weighing function of the apparatus, and main frame 4613mounts the remaining components that could, during their operation,induce undesirable movements in the weigh components to adversely affectthe weighing function. Accordingly, the weigh subframe serves as a meansfor isolating the weight components from internal machine movementsinduced through operation of components on the main frame.

The main frame components include storage bins 6813, 7013, 7213, 7413for storing different dry additive concentrates, dry additive dispensingmeans 8013 for dispensing additives from the storage bins, and anadditive-receiving means comprising a mixing vessel or tank 1703. Othermain frame-mounted components include a discharge pump 2443 for pumpingslurry from mixing vessel 1703, slurry mixers 1803, and various plumbingcomponents for supplying carrier and flush water to the mixing vesseland discharging slurry liquid from the vessel. Cabinet lids 1613, 1813provide access to the storage bins for refilling them.

The subframe 3413 includes an entire subassembly of weigh components,including a weigh hopper means comprising the compartmented weigh hopper1223, and a suspension means for suspending the weigh hopper from aweighing means 2503. The suspension means includes a pair of suspensionframes 1233, one at either end of the weigh hopper. Each such framerotatably supports weigh hopper 1223. Each suspension frame 1233includes a suspension arm 2703 suspending the suspension frame from theweigh means 2503. The weigh means includes, at each end of the subframe3413, a weigh tower 2523 projecting upwardly from the subframe andsuspending therein a load cell 2643. The load cell in turn suspends theweigh hopper through an appropriate connection to suspension arm 2703 ofsuspension frame 1233.

Remote control unit 2013 includes a computer terminal 2213 supported ona stand 3013 having a base plate 3213. Terminal 2213 includes a primarykeyboard 2413, a primary display screen 2613, a small, secondarykeyboard 2713 and a small, secondary display screen 2913. Variouscontrol switches and indicators are provided on a control switch box2813 mounted on a shelf 3113 of the stand below the terminal 2213.

Apparatus 1013 is seen therein and in FIG. 65 to comprise a weigh frame3413 having four uprights 3613 and two each of parallel crossbeams 3813,4013 and longitudinal beams 3713, 3913 rigidly interconnecting the fouruprights 3613. A vertical slat 4113, 4313 is carried between each pairof beams 3713, 3913. Each of uprights 3613 has an enlarged foot 4213 toenhance the stability of weigh frame 3413. Each foot 4213 is mounted onan elastomeric isolation pad 4413 (FIG. 63) which absorbs vibrations orother environmental influences that may affect the accuracy of thefunctions performed by weigh frame 3413. Each pad 4413 includes a squareupper plate 4513 to which foot 4213 is secured, the upper plate having aperipheral, downwardly depending flange which forms an enclosure. Asquare lower plate 4713 is attached to a floor with bolts below plate4513 and has a peripheral, upwardly extending flange that forms anenclosure. A rubber cushion 4813 is placed between plates 4513, 4713within the enclosures formed by the flanges on the plates. Cushion 4813is thick enough to maintain the upwardly and downwardly extendingflanges in spaced relationship so that vibrations are not communicatedbetween plates 4513, 4713.

Separate mounting or main frame 4613 substantially surrounds weigh frame3413, the mounting frame 4613 comprising four uprights 4913interconnected by four top support beams 5013 and four bottom supportbeams 5213. Two intermediate parallel support beams 5113, 5313 extendacross opposing parallel faces of frame 4613, and two parallel supportbeams 5413, 5513 extend across the middle of frame 4613 parallel tobeams 5113, 5313. A pair of parallel, U-shaped brackets 5613, 5713 arefixed to and suspend from beams 5113, 5413 (FIG. 68), and a pair ofsimilar U-shaped brackets are fixed to and suspend from beams 5313,5513. Only one U-shaped bracket 5913 is shown in FIG. 64, although itwill be understood that a second, parallel U-shaped bracket extendsbetween beams 5313, 5513 in an arrangement similar to that shown in FIG.68 for U-shaped brackets 5613, 5713.

Mounting frame 4613 is supported by casters 5813 each having a roller6013 that is received within a cup 6213 that is attached to an isolationpad 6413 which is similar in structure to pad 4413 shown in FIG. 63. Pad6413 comprises a top plate 6513 having a peripheral, downwardlydepending flange and a bottom plate 6613 bolted to the floor and havinga peripheral, upwardly extending flange. A rubber cushion 6713 ispositioned between plates 6513, 6613 within the enclosures formed bytheir peripheral flanges, the width of cushion 6713 being great enoughto keep the peripheral flanges in spaced relationship to one another andavoid metal to metal contact which might transfer vibrations.

FIGS. 62 and 64 show multiple storage means such as dry additiveconcentrate storage bins 6813, 7013, 7213, and 7413 for storingseparately a plurality of different dry microingredient feed additiveconcentrates. Each of the bins has a square top opening and squarebottom opening, the bottom opening having a smaller area than the topopening such that the cross-sectional area of each bin diminishes in thedirection of the bottom opening. A pair of vibrator motors 7513, 7713(FIG. 64) are placed on each bin 6813-7213 to assist in moving drymicroingredient concentrates out of the bins during dispensing.

A plurality of liquid containers 7613, 7813 are also shown in FIG. 62for storing separately different liquid microingredient feed additiveconcentrates. The liquid containers are supported on a table 7713 (FIG.61) adjacent cabinet 1113 and connected to the apparatus throughflexible tubes described later.

A separate dry dispensing means 8013 is provided for each dry bin6813-7413. A separate liquid dispensing means 1203 is provided for eachliquid container 7613-7813. Each liquid and dry dispensing means isindependently operated and controlled for dispensing separately severalselected additive concentrates from their respective bins and liquidcontainers in predetermined weights during a machine operating cycle.

One of the dry dispensing means 8013 for a dry microingredient is shownbest in FIGS. 64 and 68. It includes an annular collar 8213 having asquare cross section. The collar fits closely about the open bottom of abin 6813-7413 and extends partially up its sidewalls. Collar 8213 has asquare frusto-pyramidal configuration which defines a flow passageway ofprogressively decreasing cross section from the bottom bin opening to atop opening into a coreless metering screw assembly 8413 within arectangular lower extension section 8613 of collar 8213 having a curvedbottom. Screw assembly 8413 includes a rotatable core 8813 which carriesa helical metal screw 9013 and rectangular screw agitator 9213 with acircular band 9413 around one end thereof. A stationary rear one-halftube extension 9613 of a conveyor tube 1083 projects into the interiorof agitator 9213 to start the conveyance of material that is moved bythe screw 9013 into conveyor tube 1083. Agitator 9213 helps maintain auniform microingredient density around rotating screw 9013.

Agitator 9213 is rotated by a shaft 1003 which is driven through aright-angle gear box 1043 by a variable-speed motor 1023, with threepre-set speeds. Core 8813 and screw 9013 project through opening 1063and into conveyor tube 1083 having an open end that terminates adjacenta deflection plate 1103 above the top opening of weigh hopper 1223. Thusthe metering screw assembly conveys additive from the supply bin into acompartment of the weigh hopper.

Each of liquid containers 7613, 7813 is provided with a separatedispensing means 1203. Each liquid dispensing means is, for example, avariable-speed or displacement rotary or piston pump 7913 (FIG. 62). Theliquid dispensing means pumps liquid additive from a container 7613,7813 through a flexible feed conduit which connects to a rigiddispensing tube end 1203 (FIG. 65) on the weigh subframe to deliver theadditive into a liquid compartment 1173-1183 of weigh hopper 1223.

The hopper 1223 (FIGS. 62, 64, 65, and 67) is carried by weigh subframe3413 between frame slats 4113, 4313 below the open end of extension tube1083 of screw conveyor 8013. Hopper 1223 is an elongated trough having asubstantially semicylindrical cross section and a plurality ofpartitions 1123 which divide the hopper transversely into several drymicroingredient receiving compartments 1133, 1143, 1153, 1163. Each ofthe dry compartments 1133-1163 is provided with a deflector 1323 on itspartition wall having a triangular cross section that directs additiveconcentrates to the interior of the compartments during both filling andemptying of the hopper.

Additional partitions 1113 of hopper 1223 cooperate with some partitions1123 and upper walls 1283 to define liquid additive-receivingcompartments 1173, 1183 having narrow openings 1303 into which liquiddispensing tubes 1203 direct liquid additives from containers 7613,7813.

The liquid and dry additive compartments of hopper 1223 maintaindispensed additives separated until the hopper discharges its contents,after weighing, into the diluting liquid carrier within the mixingvessel 1703 positioned vertically below the hopper.

Hopper 1223 is supported by weigh frame 3413 such that it is free torotate about its longitudinal axis. Each semicircular end plate 1343(one being shown in FIG. 67) of hopper 1223 is secured to a shaft 1363.The shaft 1363 at the hopper end shown in FIG. 67 is drivingly connectedto a motor 1383 that is fixed to hopper suspension frame 1233 by amounting bracket 2733. The shaft at the opposite end of the hopper ismounted in a bearing 1403 (FIG. 64). Motor 1383 operates first to rotatehopper 1223 to an inverted position for emptying (FIG. 71); then to anupright position (in the same direction) for the next dispensing andweighing cycle.

An air flush means for compartments 1133-1163 of hopper 1223 is shown inFIG. 71. The air flush means is carried by the main frame and comprisesa compressor 1423 in fluid communication through passageway 1443 withair pressure accumulator tank 1463. A solenoid valve 1493 regulates theflow of air through passageway 1483 to header 1503. The header in turnfluidly communicates with a plurality of hoses 1523 that project intoeach compartment 1133-1163 of hopper 1223 when the hopper is inverted.Each of hoses 1523 is positioned to direct a stream of air against farwall 1543 of the hopper. It is not necessary to direct the air streamagainst near wall 1563 because that wall will have already been scrapedrelatively clean by the movement of dry additives against the wall andout of the hopper as hopper 1223 rotates to an inverted position.

A vibrator motor 1413 is carried by suspension frame 1233 at the end ofhopper 1223 opposite hopper rotating motor 1383. Vibrator motor 1413operates during inversion of the hopper to promote emptying of thehopper compartments by vibrating the hopper.

An elongated mixing vessel 1703 which serves as a receiving means forreceiving additives from the hopper 1223 and also as a mixing means formixing such additives with water, is placed below hopper 1223. Vessel1703 is an elongated tub that is longer and wider than hopper 1223.Vessel 1703 comprises a continuous, annular upright wall 1723 around asloping bottom formed from a plurality of triangular sections 1763 thatslope towards a pair of central bottom openings including an inlet port1773 and discharge port 1783.

Variable speed flow inducing means, such as variable two-speed mixers1803, serve as part of the mixing means and are provided in mixingvessel 1703 for inducing a turbulent flow of liquid within the mixingvessel. Each mixer 1803 is comprised of four angled mixing blades 1823connected to the end of a rotary mixing shaft 1843 that is connected toa gearbox 1863 and motor 1883 for rotating shaft 1843. Each of motors1883 is mounted on a motor mounting frame 1903 along an outside face ofvessel wall 1723. Level sensors 1923, 1943 are also mounted over theedges of wall 1723 and project downwardly into the tub for determiningthe level of water contained therein and shutting off a supply of waterto the tub when a predetermined level is reached. Sensors 1923, 1943are, for example, electrodes through which an electrical circuit iscompleted or a timing circuit energized when the water surface in thetub reaches the predetermined level. Sensor 1923 is the primary sensor,while sensor 1943 is a backup sensor which detects a near overflowcondition, closes fill solenoid 2063, and interrupts the fill cycle.

FIG. 70 shows a plumbing system for apparatus 1013 which delivers andremoves carrier and flush water from vessel 1703. Water is introducedfrom a source 1953 by pump 1933 through line 1943 where its pressure isdetected by pressure gauge 1963. Water then continues to flow throughline 1983 where it is divided by tee 2003 into water lines 2023, 2043.The flow of water through fill line 2043 is controlled by solenoid valve2063 which, when open, allows water to flow through line 2083, thence toconduit 2103 and into vessel 1703 through port 1773. When solenoid valve2063 is open, a second solenoid valve 2123 in line 2023 remains closedsuch that all of the supply of water moves through line 2043 to fillvessel 1703.

Solenoid valve 2123 is interposed between line 2023 and flush line 2143that in turn communicates with line 2163 to establish fluidcommunication with conduit 2103. Line 2143 also fluidly communicateswith line 2183 having branches 2203, 2223. Branch 2203 fluidlycommunicates with a pair of nozzles 2243, one positioned above blades1823 of each mixer 1803, nozzle 2243 directing a flow of water onto theblades to clean them. Line 2223 provides a passageway through which thewater moves to flush ring 2263 (FIGS. 69 and 70) which is positionedaround the upper inner periphery of vessel 1703 adjacent its top edge.Ring 2263 has a number of flush nozzles 2283 which direct a flow ofwater downwardly against wall 1723 of vessel 1703 to flush it.

Apparatus 1013 also has a delivery means for delivering slurry fromvessel 1703 to a receiving station for mixing with an animal feed rationat a location remote from the mixing vessel. This delivery meansincludes discharge opening 1783 in fluid communication with conduit 2403that empties into discharge line 2423. Discharge pump 2443 withdrawsslurry through line 2423 and sends it through line 2463 to receivingstation 2483 where, typically, it is sprayed into a livestock feedration and mixed therewith.

A weighing means 2503 (FIG. 66) is provided on weigh frame 3413 forweighing predetermined weights of the different additive concentratesdispensed from bins 6813-7413 and containers 7613, 7813. Weighing means2503 includes a weigh tower 2523 extending vertically upward from acrossbeam 4013 of weigh frame 3413 midway between uprights 3613 at eachend of frame 3413. Each tower 2523 has a flat top plate 2543 with acentral opening through which the threaded shank of an eye member 2563is placed and secured with a nut. A rubber pad 2583 is placed againstthe interior face of plate 2543 before member 2563 is secured to topplate 2543 with the nut. A pair of suspension members 2603 pivotallyinterconnect eye member 2563 and a second eye member 2623 from which aload cell 2643 is suspended. The amount of strain on load cell 2643 iscommunicated to a control unit through line 2653. The load cell 2643 inthe preferred embodiment is capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.5grams.

A rubber isolator pad 2663 is pivotally suspended beneath load cell 2643by suspension members 2683. A suspension arm 2703 of the hoppersuspension frame 1233 is in turn suspended from isolation pad 2663 byhook 2723 and eye 2743 secured to arm 2703. Arms 2703 of suspensionframes 1233 thus suspend hopper 1223 such that the entire weight of thehopper is freely suspended from load cells 2643. Arms 2703 are braced bygussets 2713 to their rectangular weigh frames 1233. Hopper 1223 issuspended interior to frames 1233 between slats 4113, 4313 of frame 3413by suspending shafts 1363, one of which is driven (FIG. 67) and theother of which is mounted in a bearing 1403 (FIG. 64). The hopper istherefore free to rotate between frames 1233 to an inverted position.This arrangement allows the weight of the hopper to be transferredthrough frames 1233 to arms 2703 for acting on load cells 2643. Theweight of additive concentrates in hopper means 1223 can therefore beaccurately determined

As best shown in FIG. 67, a transverse vibration and sway dampening rod2763 extends between a bracket 2783 carried by an upright of hoppersuspension frame 1233 and a bracket 2793 carried by two longitudinalbeams 3713, 3913 of weigh frame 3413. Such a rod 2763 is provided ateach end of weigh frame 3413 adjacent face 1343 of hopper 1223 forpreventing or damping transverse movements of the hopper. A similarlongitudinal rod (not shown) extends along one longitudinal side ofhopper 1223 to prevent or dampen longitudinal vibratory or swayingmovements of hopper 1223, one end of the longitudinal rod being fixed tolongitudinal beam 3913 and the other end being fixed to weigh frame3413. Such sway dampening rods provide part of the means isolating theweight-sensitive components of the apparatus from movements that couldaffect accurate weight measurements.

Apparatus 1013 is provided with a control means, such as a centralprocessing unit, for controlling the operation of apparatus 1013. In thepreferred embodiment, two programmed central processing units are used,one for operating the weighing functions of apparatus 1013 and the otherfor operating all other machine functions.

The logic of the program for operating the weighing functions of themachine is shown in FIG. 72. The weighing CPU is activated by startingthe menu at 2803 and then entering ration data with keyboard 2413 for aparticular feedlot or data for one of a series of desired batches at afeedlot. The formulation of each desired batch has been preprogrammedinto the computer such that a batch formulation can be chosen byentering a code number at 2823. The computer then searches at 2843 for amatch to this encoded formulation until the match is found and themachine is ready to batch. If a match is not found, the program at 2853returns to step 2823 and a prompt is sent to screen 2613 to enter rationdata.

Once a match is found at 2843, a program prompt at 2863 appears onscreen 2613 requesting the size of the batch to be prepared. After thisinformation is entered, the program prompt at 2873 requests the numberof batches to be prepared, and if the batch size exceeds the capacity ofthe preprogrammed limit for the feed lot ration mixer or thecompartments 1133-1183 of hopper 1223, this is computed at 2883. Ifcapacity has been exceeded, a prompt is sent to screen 2613 at box 2893,and the program will request that new data concerning batch size andnumber be entered by returning to step 2863. If capacity has not beenexceeded, the machine is ready to batch at 2903.

The weighing computer first checks to determine if a weigh switch is onat 2923, and if the weigh switch is off, an alarm is sounded at step2933 and the program returns to ready at 2903. The alarm will alert anoperator that the weighing switch must be turned on in order forbatching to continue.

The program next calculates metering ration data at 2943 and sends it tothe machine operating program at 2953 as indicated by A in FIGS. 72 and73. The metering data is calculated for any additives that have beenselected for dispensing in the metering mode during the weigh cycle.Dispensing a portion of the additives by volume is more fully set forthin connection with steps 3613-3633 of FIG. 73 below.

The program then sets an output for the water level at 2963, the levelof the water determining how much fluid carrier will be present in theslurry which is ultimately delivered to receiving station 2483. Waterlevel information is sent to the machine operating program at 2973, asindicated by B in FIGS. 72 and 73. The program next waits at 2983 for astart signal which the operator gives by activating start switch 2993 onswitch panel 2813. The weighing cycle is then started at 3003 by sendinga start signal at 3013 to the machine operating program as indicated byC in FIGS. 72 and 73. Even though the weighing cycle has started, noweighing of microingredients actually commences until a signal isreceived back from the machine operating program at 3023 as indicated byD in FIGS. 72 and 73 that indicates weighing should begin at 3043. Thiscommunication between the programs at D enables the machine operatingprogram to begin its initial checks while microingredients are beingdispensed and weighed.

Once the signal to begin weighing is received at 3043, the weighingsequence begins at 3063. It is first determined at 3083 whether a motionsensor is detecting movement of hopper means 1223. Information isreceived from the motion sensor on the hopper at 3093, as indicated by Ein FIGS. 72 and 73. The program will not progress beyond 3083 until themotion sensor indicates that hopper means 1223 is not moving, sincemovement of the hopper means will adversely affect weight determinationsof load cell 2643. Hopper means 1223 can be put in motion by a varietyof influences, such as wind gusts, floor vibration, personnel contact,or movement of machine parts. Although the effect of these movements onload cell 2643 may not be great, the extreme accuracy required indispensing microingredient feed additive concentrates makes absence ofmovement desirable.

It is next determined at 3103 whether the scale reading is less than1000 grams. If the reading is greater than 1000 grams, it is probablybecause the hopper means is not empty, as indicated at 3113, and asignal is sent at 3123, 3133 to dump hopper means 1223 so that weighingof a new lot of microingredients can begin. The signal to dump is sentto the machine operating program as indicated at step 3143 and F inFIGS. 72 and 73. The mixers 1803 are also started at 3153 as indicatedby Gin FIGS. 72 and 73 so that the microingredients dumped from hoppermeans 1223 will be mixed into a slurry and discharged to receivingstation 2483 in accordance with normal operation of the machineoperating program described in connection with FIG. 73 below.

If the scale reading is less than 1000 grams, it is determined at 3163if the scale reads below zero. If that is the case, a message is givento the operator by 3173 on screen 2613 that the scale has failed and thesupervisor should be called. Then at 3183 the program prompts theoperator to switch to a backup metering mode system which dispensesadditive concentrates by volume instead of by weight, and a prompt issent at 3193 to screen 2613 directing that the weigh switch 3213 atpanel 2813 be turned off. The operator then performs as outlined in FIG.75 by turning the meter switch on at step 5003 and entering ration dataat 5023. Volumetric metering of additive concentrates is performed byactivating motor 1023 of each bin 6813-7413 to rotate screw 9013 for apredetermined period of time. Since screw 9013 will dispense anapproximate known amount of concentrate per unit of time, a volumetricapproximation of the desired amount of concentrate can be dispensedwithout weighing.

If the scale reads above zero at 3163, the weighing mode of the programis instead used. Ingredient flow is started at 3203 by activating motor1023 for screw 9013 below bin 6813. Motor 1023 has at least two speedsso that it initially operates at a higher speed during the initial phaseof dispensing additive concentrates from bin 6813 into a firstcompartment 1133 of hopper means 1223. The weight of concentrateintroduced into compartment 1133 is sensed by load cell 2643 and thatinformation is continually fed back to the computer through line 2653.As the weight of concentrate dispensed from bin 6813 approaches thepredetermined amount of that concentrate for the batch formulationchosen at 2823, motor 1023 is switched to a lower speed at 3223 and 3243that more slowly dispenses the concentrate from bin 6813 during a finalphase of dispensing. In this manner, a more accurate weight ofmicroingredient can be dispensed from bin 6813 into compartment 1133since the dispensing of additive will have slowed before it is finallystopped when the correct weight of this first concentrate is sensed at3263.

The program contains a weight compensation step at 3283. It sometimeshappens that the actual weight of additive concentrate dispensed bydispensing means 8013 into compartment 1133 will be slightly greater orless than the desired weight set by the ration data at 2823. The programcompensates for such inaccuracies by adding or subtracting a weightcompensation factor to the ration amount set for the additiveconcentrate at 2823. In this manner, the weight inaccuracy will becorrected the next time a microingredient additive is dispensed from bin6813 into compartment 1133.

When the predetermined weight of microingredient additive concentrate issensed at 3263 and the weighing of that component has been completed,the computer determines if the just dispensed concentrate was the lastmicroingredient dispensed at 3303. Assuming the microingredientconcentrate in bin 6813 was not the only concentrate to be dispensed inthis formulation, the program then returns to box 3203, and the flow ofingredients from bin 7013 is initiated by activating motor 1023 beneathbin 7013 to turn screw 9013 at a fast speed and begin movingmicroingredient additive from bin 7013 into compartment 1143 of hoppermeans 1223. Load cell 2643 continues to sense the weight of concentrateadded to hopper means 1223 from bin 7013 until that weight begins toapproach the final predetermined weight desired of the secondconcentrate. This predetermined weight will be the total actual netweights of the first additive concentrate plus the predetermined weightof the second additive concentrate since hopper means 1223 has not yetinverted and the first additive concentrate still remains in compartment1133. As the total combined actual weight of additive concentrate incompartments 1133, 1143 approaches the predetermined amount, motor 1023is switched to a slower speed, and additive concentrate is continued tobe slowly dispensed with screw 9013 from bin 7013 until the totalcombined weight of additive concentrate is reached, and motor 1023 isshut off.

This same procedure is repeated until the predetermined weight ofadditive from each of bins 7213, 7413 is similarly dispensed intocompartments 1153, 1163. Liquid microingredient additive concentratesfrom containers 7613 and 7813 are dispensed by activation of a liquidpump which sequentially dispenses liquid additive from containers 7613,7813 into liquid receiving compartments 1173, 1183 of hopper means 1223until a predetermined amount of each liquid additive has been dispensed.

Once the last additive has been dispensed, as determined at 3303, thecomputer determines that weighing has been completed at 3323, whichsends at 3343 a signal to the machine sequence program as indicated by Hin FIGS. 72 and 73. The computer pauses at 3363 to wait on discharge ofhopper means 1223. Once dumping of hopper means 1223 has been completedby inversion of the hopper and its return to an upright position, thisinformation is sent from the machine operating program of FIG. 73 to theweighing program of FIG. 72 as shown at 1 and 3383. It is thendetermined at 3403 whether another batch of microingredient is required.If not, the program returns from 3423 to its starting point at 2803. Ifanother batch is required, the program returns to box 2923 and thesequence repeats itself as described above.

Although not shown in FIG. 72, the weigh program can be modified to keepa running inventory of additive concentrates. This can be accomplishedby entering into the weigh computer the weight of additive concentrateplaced in each of bins 6813-7413 and containers 7613, 7813. The weightof each concentrate actually dispensed and sensed by load cells 2643 isthen subtracted from the original weight of concentrate to determine theinventory of concentrate remaining.

The control means can also be programmed to perform other functions thatenhance the accuracy of weight determinations by the weighing means. Forexample, the isolating means can include programming the control meansto prevent acceptance of the measured weight by the control meansfollowing operation of dispensing means 8013 until motion of hoppermeans 1223 sensed by motion sensors has subsided to a level that willnot affect load cells 2643. The same result can be achieved byprogramming the control means to delay operation of all other movablemachine components (such as dispensing means 8013, 1203 or mixers 1803)for a predetermined period of time sufficient for hopper 1223 to settleor until any oscillatory movements subside. Alternatively, the isolatingmeans can include programming the control means to prevent operation ofmoving components (such as dispensing means 8013, 1203 or mixers 1803)while weight determinations are being made by the load cells 2643.

FIG. 73 schematically illustrates the logic of a program for actuatingthe sequence of operations of apparatus 1013. The program begins bydetermining at 3443 if the weigh switch on switch panel 2813 has beenturned on. Once the weigh switch is on, the program is ready for ametering data signal at 3453. It waits at 3463 until the metering rationdata is received at 3463 from steps 3473 and 2953 as indicated by A.

Once the metering data is received, the program is ready to batch at3483. It receives water level data at 3493 from 3503 and 2973 asindicated by B. The start signal from 3013 is then relayed via C to 3513and 3523. The machine cycle is then started at 3533, and initiation ofthe cycle is signaled to the weighing program from 3543 through D to3023.

Boost pump 1933 is then turned on at 3553 for introducing water throughline 1943 in FIG. 70 with solenoid 2063 open and solenoid 2123 closed.It is determined at step 3553 if the boost pump is on, and if it is not,an alarm is sounded at 3563 that the pump is switched off. Boost pump1933 introduces water through line 2083, conduit 2103, and port 1773until a predetermined water level set at 2943 is sensed by level probe1923. If the predetermined water level is not reached within a setperiod of time as indicated by 3573, an alarm sounds at 3583 to indicatethat an error has occurred. Otherwise, if mixing vessel 1703 fillswithin the set time, this condition is detected by level probe 1923 andmixing blade motors 1883 are activated at 3593 on a slow speed to causethe water in mixing vessel 1703 to flow. If the motors 1883 do not turnon, an alarm is given at 3603 to alert the operator of this malfunction.

It is possible to accurately dispense some liquid microingredientadditives such as those in containers 7613, 7813 by volumetric meteringinstead of weighing. Such accurate volumetric metering is possible sincethe density of most liquids is quite constant over the range ofenvironmental conditions in which apparatus 1013 is used. Volumetricmetering of liquid additives selected by the metering ration data isachieved at 3613 by activating the piston pump in dispensing means 1203for a period of time determined by 3623, 3633. Once the metering step iscompleted, the dumping mechanism is enabled at 3643 for proceeding toweigh complete step 3653 before inverting hopper 1223.

The program waits at step 3653 for the weighing sequence shown in FIG.72 step 3203 through step 3343 to be complete. Once the weighingsequence is completed at step 3343, a signal is sent to 3653 through3663 at H from the weigh program, and the sequence program progresses to3673 where a signal is given at 3683 from 3143 via F to actuate motor1383 and invert hopper means 1223 to dispense the additive concentratescontained in compartments 1133-1183 separately but simultaneously intothe flowing water of vessel 1703. The dumping mechanism is disabled at3693 once the hopper leaves its upright position. Once hopper means 1223is inverted at 3703, vibrators on the hopper are activated at step 3723to promote complete removal of all microingredient particles from bins1133-1183. Compressor 1423 is next actuated at 3733 to compress air inair tank 1463, and a solenoid to header 1503 is opened which moves aflow of air through hoses 1523 and toward wall 1543 of each ofcompartments 1133-1163 to remove any traces of solid additiveconcentrates from the compartments. Air flushing continues for apredetermined period of time at step 3733.

Hopper means 1223 is then sent to its home position at step 3743 byactivating hopper motor 1383 to continue to turn shaft 1363 in the samedirection it turned to invert the hopper. When the hopper returns to itsupright position, this is sensed by a switch as indicated by step 3753,and a signal is sent at 3763, 3773 to 3383 through I that the contentsof hopper means 1223 have been dumped, and another weigh cycle (FIG. 72)can begin. Meanwhile the machine operating program of FIG. 73 progressesto step 3783 which switches motors 1883 of mixers 1803 to a higherspeed. The lower motor speed is used until hopper means 1223 leaves itsinverted position since high speed mixing while the hopper is invertedcould cause water drops to be splashed into containers 1133-1163. Step3783 also begins to measure a predetermined mixing time. When the periodfor the preselected mixing time expires, as determined at 3803, themixing motors 1883 are switched back to their lower speed. Once theweighing program receives a discharge signal at 3813 from step 3153through G and 3823, or alternatively from actuation of a dischargeswitch 3833 on switch panel 2813, a discharge signal is sent by theprogram at 3843 to discharge the slurry in vessel 1703. A solenoid valvein line 2403 then opens, and pump 2443 (FIG. 70) is activated to removethe slurry through outlet 1783 in vessel 1703. Mixer blades 1823continue turning at a slow speed until a predetermined period of timeexpires, as set by step 3853. Pump 2443 continues operating as the waterlevel lowers and finally clears the bottom of probe 1923, as illustratedby step 3863. If the level probe is not cleared within a predeterminedperiod of time, an alarm is given at 3873 to indicate a pumpingmalfunction.

After the water level clears the bottom of probe 1923, pump 2443continues operating and a timed flush cycle begins at 3883. Boost pump1933 is activated at 3893 for introducing water through line 1943 assolenoid 2063 is closed and solenoid 2123 is opened. In this manner,flush water is introduced through line 2143 so that it enters vessel1703 through nozzles 2283 of flush ring 2263, blade flush nozzles 2243,and port 1773. The interior of vessel 1703 and the surfaces of blades1823 are thereby flushed, completely removing any residue ofmicroingredient additives from the vessel through inlet 1783. The boostpump continues introducing a water flush into vessel 1703 until theflush time period expires at 3903, and the flush is terminated at 3913.Discharge pump 2443 continues pumping for a delay period following theend of the flush cycle, as shown at 3923; then discharge pump 2443 isturned off at 3933.

The program then determines if the weigh switch is still on at 3943 andif it is, the program returns to step 3443 to repeat the sequencedescribed in steps 3443-3933. If the weigh switch has been turned off,the apparatus 1013 is turned off at 3953 and an alarm is given at 3963to indicate that a mode change has been made.

The control means includes means for operating mixers 1803 and dischargepump 2443 at the same time as dispensing means 8013 such that a firstbatch of additive concentrate slurry can be mixed and delivered to areceiving station while a second batch of additive concentrates aredispensed and weighed prior to their deposit into the mixing vessel.

A schematic diagram of the electrical connections for apparatus 1013 isshown in FIG. 74.

It is important to the proper operation of a computer that it besupplied with electrical power of a constant and consistent quality.This is a serious drawback in rural areas where the electrical powerbeing supplied is often at the end of a long supply line into whichfluctuations are introduced by intervening power users. Most cattleyards and other users of apparatus 1013 are located in rural areas wherevariations in power would adversely affect operation of the computerswhich control weighing and sequencing of machine function. For thatreason, the system employs a series of transformers to selectivelyfilter the electrical energy, isolate the power source, and dampvariations in the power before it is supplied to the computers.

Four hundred eighty volts of power are supplied at 4003 by a ruralelectrical utility, and that power first passes through 10 kw isolationtransformer 4023 where it is transformed into 240 V power, illustratedby 4043 in FIG. 74. This initially filtered 240 V power is supplied toelectrical connection line 4053 through relay 4063 to booster pump 1933that introduces water into mixing tank 1703 during the filling andflushing cycles. The 240 V power is also supplied through relay 4073 topump 2443 that helps drain the mixing tank. This relatively unfilteredpower can be supplied to pumps 1933, 2443 since they are not assensitive to power variations as the computers.

The 240 V power is also sent to a sola-regulating transformer 4083 whereit is transformed to 120 V power, as illustrated at 4093. This filtered,120 V power is used to provide electrical energy to all components ofapparatus 1013 other than pumps 1933, 2443. If electrical energy isinterrupted, three 12 V batteries 4103 connected in series are providedas an uninterruptible power supply through triple power supply 4123.

Remote control unit 2013 has monitor screens 2613, 2913 and keyboards2413, 2713 for weighing and metering functions. Remote control unit 2013is electrically connected through line 4223 with a weigh microcomputer4243 (RCA 1800 Micro System Z80 Microprocessor) having a 120 V opticallyisolated input/output relay board 4263. Remote control unit 2013 is alsoconnected through line 4283 with machine sequencing microcomputer 4303(RCA 1800 Micro System Z80 Microprocessor) having an optically isolatedinput/output relay board 4323 (Opto PB 24Q). Computer interface 4343provides a data bus between weigh microcomputer 2413 and machinesequencing computer 4303.

Machine sequencing computer 4303 and weigh computer 4243 are suppliedwith 5 V power from triple power supply 4123 through line 4113. Both I/Oboards 4263, 4323 are supplied with 120 V power through line 4363 at4383.

Weigh computer 4243 contains an eight slot card cage with three 6623 RAMmemory cards that contain the programs for operation of the weighingfunctions and monitoring of microingredient additive inventory. Weighcomputer 4243 also contains a service box 6413 card to connect theservice box to the computer, a printer 6413 output card, a 6003 systemoperating program card, and a 6264 memory card.

The machine computer 4303 has a six slot card cage, including two 6623RAM memory cards, as well as a 6593, 6503, 6413 and 6003 CPU card. Whenapparatus 1013 is functioning in the metering mode, it uses only machinecomputer 4303. A complete set of ration data is stored on the machinecomputer's ROM memory separate from the ration data stored on the RAMmemory cards of weigh computer 4243.

I/O board 4263 is connected through line 4483 with a speed control 4443for controlling the speed of dispensing means 8013 in the weigh modeduring a weigh cycle. For additives dispensed in weigh mode, speedcontrol 4443 determines whether screw 9013 rotates at a fast speedduring the initial weighing period of a given concentrate, or at a slowspeed during the terminal phase of weighing as the weight of theconcentrate approaches its predetermined amount. Since it is necessaryto sense the weight of each concentrate that has been dispensed beforethe speed of dispensing means 8013 can be reduced and then stopped, loadcells 2643 are electronically connected through scale head 4183 to theweigh microcomputer 4243. Weight determinations of the weighing meanscan therefore be sensed and sent to speed control 4443. For additivesdispensed by volume during a weigh cycle, speed control 4443 determinesthat screw 9013 rotates at the preset third speed during thepredetermined time of volumetric dispensing controlled by micro computer4303.

I/O board 4323 is connected through line 4463 with speed control 4443for controlling the speed of dispensing means 8013. Speed control 4443determines that screw 9013 rotates at the preset metering speed on thethird speed of speed control 4443 for a predetermined amount of time ofvolumetric dispensing controlled by microcomputer 4303.

Input/Output board 4323 is connected through line 4403 with ingredientlevel controls 4423 in each of bins 6813-7413 and containers 7613, 7813.These level controls are conventional switches located within the binsand containers for sensing when the level of additive concentrate ineach bin has reached a predetermined low level. When the low level ofadditive concentrate is sensed by low level control 4423, a signal issent to the operator indicating that more concentrate should be added.

I/O board 4323 of machine sequencing microcomputer 4303 is connectedthrough line 4503 and relay 4523 with hopper rotation motor 1383 thatinverts hopper means 1223. Line 4563 connects I/O board 4323 throughrelay 4583 with vibrator 1413 on hopper means 1223. A switch 4623 isalso provided on hopper means 1223 for sensing whether the hopper is inan upright or inverted position, switch 4623 being connected to I/Oboard 4323 through line 4643. Finally, hopper means 1223 is providedwith hopper air flush solenoid valve 4663 in header 1503 for controllingthe introduction of air flush into compartments 1133-1163 of the hopperafter it reaches its inverted position. Solenoid valve 4663 is connectedto I/O board 4323 through line 4683.

Mixer motors 1883 on mixing vessel 1703 are connected through relay 4703and line 4723 with I/O board 4323. Level control 1923 of the mixingvessel is connected with I/O board 4323 through line 4743. Solenoidvalve 2123 in flush line 2023 is connected to I/O board 4323 throughline 4763, and solenoid 2063 in fill line 2043 is connected to I/O board4323 through line 4783. Booster pump 1933 for pumping water into vessel1703 is connected through relay 4063 and line 4803 with I/O board 4323,while pump 2443 for withdrawing slurry and flush water from vessel 1703is connected through relay 4073 and line 4823 with I/O board 4323. Lowwater control 4843 for the water supply is connected through line 4853with the I/O board. Motion and panel control sensors 4863, which detectany oscillatory movements of hopper means 1223 and determine if any ofthe panels 1213 have been removed from apparatus 1013, areinterconnected with I/O board 4323 through line 4903.

As earlier described in connection with FIG. 72, in the event of scalefailure at step 3173, apparatus 1013 switches to a meter mode at 3183and the weigh switch is turned off at 3193. The off position of theweigh switch at 3193 is sensed as the meter switch being on at step 5003in FIG. 75. The numeral 1 is entered at keyboard 2413 at step 5023 tobegin batching in the metering mode, and a ration code name is enteredat 5043. The metering mode program of FIG. 75 searches at 5063 for aration corresponding to the code entered at 5043. If the correspondingration is not found at 5063, the program returns at 5083 to step 5043 sothat another ration name can be entered.

Once the entered code has been matched with a ration at 5063, theprogram prompts for entry of information concerning batch size, which isentered at 5093. The program next prompts for entry of informationconcerning the number of batches to be processed, which is entered at5103. The machine is then ready to batch at 5123 by volumetric meteringinstead of by weighing.

The program waits at step 5143 for a start signal 5163, which issupplied by a start switch 2993 on control panel 2813. It is thendetermined at 5183 if boost pump 1933 is on, and if it is not, an alarmis given at 5203 to indicate that the pump is off. Boost pump 1933 fillsmixing vessel 1703 during a predetermined amount of time at step 5223.If the water level in mixing vessel 1703, as detected by water levelsensor 1923, does not reach a predetermined level within a set period oftime, an alarm sounds at 5243 to indicate a filling error.

Once level sensor 1923 determines that the water level in mixing vessel1703 has reached a predetermined level, mixing motors 1883 are activatedat 5263 to rotate mixing blades 1823 at a slow speed. An alarm sounds atstep 5283 if the mixers are not on. While mixer blades 1823 induce aturbulent flow of water in mixing vessel 1703, motor 1023 for screw 9013below bin 6813 is activated at 5303. The metering speed of motor 1023 isa third speed, intermediate the fast and slow speeds used in dispensingadditive concentrates by weight. Screw 9013 turns for a predeterminedperiod of time sufficient to dispense a required volume of additiveconcentrate. The screws of each dispensing means 8013 below the bincontaining desired additive concentrates turn simultaneously. Dispensingmeans 1203 for liquid additive concentrates in containers 7613, 7813also operate simultaneously with dispensing means 8013 to volumetricallydeliver predetermined amounts of liquid concentrate to compartments1173, 1183.

When metering is complete at 5323, a signal is sent to motor 1383 atstep 5343 to invert hopper means 1223 and dump its contents into theflowing water of vessel 1703. A switch determines at 5363 whether thehopper is inverted, and if it is not, an alarm is given at 5383 toindicate a dump failure. Hopper vibrators are then actuated at 5403while hopper means 1223 is inverted to remove, by vibration, additiveconcentrate particles that remain stuck to the walls or bottom ofcontainers 1133-1163. The air flush (FIG. 71) is actuated at 5423, andthe program sends a signal at 5443 to send the hopper to its home,upright position by actuating motor 1383 to continue rotation of shaft1363. If hopper means 1223 does not reach its home, upright positionwithin a predetermined period of time set by 5463, an alarm sounds at5483 to indicate that a malfunction has occurred and the hopper is stillinverted.

When hopper means 1223 leaves its inverted position, mixing motors 1883are switched to their second, higher speed at 5483. High speed mixingcontinues for a predetermined amount of time and then returns to lowspeed at step 5503 until a discharge signal 5543 is received at 5524from a discharge switch 3833 on panel 2813 to turn on discharge pump2443. It is determined at 5562 whether discharge pump 2443 is on, and ifit is not, an alarm is given at 5583 to indicate a pump malfunction.

A predetermined, mix delay time period is initiated at 5583 during whichperiod motors 1883 continue to move mixing blades 1823 at low speed. Ifthe bottom of level probe 1923 is not cleared at 5603 within thepredetermined period of time set in step 5583, an alarm is given at 5623to indicate pumping problems. Once probe 1923 has been cleared, apredetermined flush cycle time is initiated at 5643, and boost pump 1933is actuated at 5663 to move water through flush line 2143 while solenoid2123 is open and solenoid 2063 is closed. Boost pump 1933 continuesintroducing water through line 2143 and into flush ring 2263, bladecleaning nozzles 2243, and port 1773 until a flush period has expired at5683 and pump 1933 is turned off at 5703. Discharge pump 2443 continuesoperating for a period of time set by 5723 until all of the flush waterresidue has been removed through drain 1783 and sent to receivingstation 2483. Discharge pump 2443 is then turned off at 5743 when thedelay period set at step 5723 expires.

The metering mode program then determines whether another batch isneeded at 5763, the need for another batch having been determined by thenumber of batches entered at 5103. If another batch is not needed, theprogram returns to step 5023 which prompts the operator to enter thecode for another batch. If, on the other hand, another batch is requiredat 5763, the program checks at 5783 to determine if the meter switch isstill on. If the metering switch is on (and conversely the weigh switchis off), the program returns to step 5123 where it repeats steps5123-5763. If it is determined at 5783 that the meter switch is off,apparatus 1013 is turned off at 5803 and an alarm is given at 5823indicating a mode change.

FIG. 76 shows a second embodiment of apparatus 1013 in which hoppermeans 1223 has been eliminated. In this embodiment, the weight of eachmicroingredient concentrate dispensed is determined on a “loss ofweight” basis. Each of dry concentrate bins 6003, 6023, 6043, 6063 isprovided with a load cell 6083 for determining the weight of eachcontainer. The program in this embodiment activates a dispensing means6103 (similar to dispensing means 8013 in apparatus 1013) to selectivelysequentially or simultaneously deliver dry microingredients separatelyfrom bins 6003-6063 into mixing vessel 6123 having mixers 6143, 6163.Tank 6123 is filled and flushed through water supply line 6183 andemptied through discharge line 6203 after concentrates have been mixedwith water in mixing vessel 6123.

Liquid microingredient concentrates may also be dispensed on a “loss ofweight” basis by mounting containers of liquid microingredient on loadcells.

The control means for the FIG. 76 embodiment includes a means forcontrolling the dispensing rate of each dispensing means 6103 inresponse to loss of weight sensings of load cell 6083 for each bin6003-6063. Such a control means is similar to speed control 4443 fordispensing means 8013 in FIG. 74.

In a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 76, the control means includesa means for operating dispensing means 6103 for several cycles in thevolumetric metering mode wherein additives are dispensed using a weightper unit time formula instead of load cell 6083. The actual weight ofeach additive concentrate dispensed will be determined by the loss ofweight measured by each load cell 6083. The actual weight of concentratelost will be compared by the computer to the theoretical amountdispensed. The discrepancy between the actual and theoretical amountswill then be corrected by adjusting the formula to dispense moreaccurately the desired amount of additive concentrate. Since theremaining concentrate in each bin has substantially the same density asthat already dispensed, the remaining additive can be dispensedaccurately by volume.

Correction of the weight per unit time formula used for volumetricdispensing in the metering mode can be used in connection with anyembodiment employing a weighing means. For example, volumetric meteringinto hopper means 1223 of FIG. 62 can be adjusted by comparing actualweights of additive concentrate dispensed into compartments 1133-1163with the desired amounts determined on a weight per unit time formula.The computer can then correct the formula to account for the density andother properties of the particular batch of additive concentrate beingdispensed.

Alternatively, dispensing means 8013 can be operated in a weigh modefrom the beginning through a major portion of a dispensing cycle for aparticular additive concentrate. The load cell 2643 monitors the weightof concentrate dispensed at a given speed of screw 9013. Thisinformation is used by the control means to prepare a weight per unittime formula for volumetric dispensing of the particular additive beingdispensed. The dispensing means 8013 is then operated in a volumetricmetering mode independently of the weighing means for the final portionof the dispensing cycle.

Yet another embodiment of the system is shown in FIG. 77 which takesadvantage of the fact that the density of liquid microingredientconcentrates does not vary as greatly as solid microingredients. Forthis reason, it is possible to accurately meter liquid microingredientsby volume while measuring the solid microingredients by weight. In theembodiment of FIG. 77, four dry microingredient containing supply means7013, 7023, 7043, 7083 are shown to each be connected to a dispensingmeans 7103 similar to the dispensing means 8013 of apparatus 1013. Eachof dispensing means 7103 conveys dry additive concentrate to a hoppermeans 7123 similar to hopper means 1223 in FIG. 65, the hopper means7123 being suspended from a pair of weigh cells. Each additiveconcentrate is dispensed sequentially into hopper means 7123 fromcontainers 7013, 7023, 7043, 7083 using dispensing means 7103 until apredetermined weight of each concentrate has been sensed by a load cellfrom which hopper means 7123 is suspended. Hopper means 7123 is theninverted to separately and simultaneously empty the dry microingredientcontents of hopper means 7123 into flowing water in mixing vessel 7143which is being agitated by mixers 7163, 7183.

In the FIG. 77 embodiment, liquid microingredients are separately storedin containers 7203, 7223 which are provided with tubes 7243 that emptyinto vessel 7143. Rotary of piston pumps 7283 are interposed in eachtube 7243 to pump microingredients from containers 7203, 7223 directlyinto mixing vessel 7143, thereby bypassing entirely hopper means 7123.

The control means for the FIG. 77 embodiment may, in some embodiments,include means for selectively operating some dispensing meanssimultaneously and others sequentially. Pumps 7283 for the liquidadditive concentrates in containers 7203, 7223 may, for example, beoperated simultaneously with each other and with dispensing means 7103.Dispensing means 7103 for dry additives should, however, be operatedsequentially in this embodiment since the overall weight of hopper means7123 is sensed by the load cells from which the hopper is suspended. Ifthe dry additives were dispensed simultaneously into hopper means 7123,it would not be possible to weigh accurately the amount of each additivedispensed. It is through cumulative weight determinations ofsequentially dispensed additives that accurate weight determinations aremade in the compartmented hopper. A first additive concentrate isdelivered into a compartment of the hopper until its load cells registera first predetermined weight, and delivery of the first additiveconcentrate is stopped. Delivery of a second additive concentrate isthen started and continued until the load cells register a secondpredetermined weight, and so on until predetermined weights of allselected additives have been delivered into the hopper.

In yet other embodiments which are not shown in the drawings, thecontrol means is programmed to operate the dispensing means in aninterrupted, on-off-on-off sequence to dispense selectedmicroingredients into a weighing means such as hopper 1223. Weightdeterminations sensed by load cells 2643 would only be accepted when thedispensing means is switched off during the interrupted sequence. Inthis manner, weighing inaccuracies caused by movement of the dispensingmeans or settling of additives would not affect weight determinations.

In another disclosed embodiment, the isolating means includesprogramming the control means to prevent operation of any other movingcomponents of apparatus 1013 while weight determinations are being madeby the weighing means. The operation of dispensing means 8013 and mixerblades 1823 would, for example, be prevented by the control means whileweight determinations were being made by load cell 2643.

FIG. 78 shows an apparatus indicated generally at 8003, which issomewhat similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 61-75 but having twoseparate weigh hoppers 8023, 8033 for weighing the multiple additiveconcentrates dispensed from additive concentrate storage means 8053,8063 by dispenser means 8083. The weigh means of the apparatus 8003includes separate weigh means for each weigh hopper 8023, 8033, therebygiving the apparatus the capability of weighing multiple additivessimultaneously in different weigh hoppers. This capability gives theapparatus 8003 an advantage over the apparatus of FIG. 61 in being ableto dispense, weigh and discharge all of the multiple microingredients ofa given formulation into the mixing vessel 8103 and thereby complete thebatching of a formulation, more quickly than the apparatus of FIG. 61.

The apparatus 8003 also includes a support frame means 8123 which mayinclude either separate support and weigh frames as in the apparatus ofFIG. 61 or a common support frame for all of the major mechanicalcomponents of the apparatus as depicted schematically in FIG. 78.Support frame 8123 rigidly supports the multiple microingredientconcentrate storage containers 8053, 8063 and their associateddispensers or metering devices 8083, 8093. The support frame means 8123also rigidly supports the mixing vessel 8103 which is shown as a mixingvessel common to both weigh hopper 8023 and weigh hopper 8033.

Other major components of the system of FIG. 78 include control andother components which would normally be mounted apart from supportframe means 8123, including a pair of scale heads 8143, 8153, one foreach weigh hopper, a weigh computer or central processing unit 8173 withits associated input/output board 8183, and a remote control unit orterminal 8203 for controlling the operation of the computer 8173. Aseparate machine computer or central processing unit 8223 has anassociated input/output board 8233. An interface 8243 enablescommunication between the machine computer 8223 and the weigh computer8173. Scale heads 8143, 8153 transmit weight determination data throughline 8263 to the input/output board of the weigh computer 8173. There isalso a printer 8283 connected to the input/output board of weighcomputer 8173 through line 8303 for printing desired output data fromthe weigh computer 8173.

In the apparatus 8003 there are four microingredient additiveconcentrate storage containers 8053 associated with weigh hopper 8023and another four such storage containers 8063 associated with the otherweigh hopper 8033, thereby giving each weigh hopper the capability ofweighing and discharging four different additives into the mixing vessel8103. The dispensers 8083 associated with the different additive storagecontainers 8053 are capable of operating independently of one anotherupon an appropriate command signal from a weigh computer 8173transmitted from the input/output board 8183 through line 8323.Similarly, each of the dispensers 8093 for the four other storagecontainers 8063 are capable of operating independently of one another todispense additives into the weigh hopper 8033 upon a suitable commandsignal from weigh hopper 8173 transmitted from input/output board 8183through line 8343.

Weigh hopper 8023 is mounted at its opposite ends on a pair of loadcells 8363, 8373 connected by suspension members 8383, 8393 and a pairof resilient isolator members 8403, 8413 to support frame 8123.

Weigh hopper 8033 is mounted in a similar manner by load cells 8423,8433 to support frame 8123. Thus, each weigh hopper is independentlymounted by separate weigh means to the frame 8123 for independentweighing of ingredients. The two load cells 8363, 8373 for weigh hopper8023 are operatively connected by a line 8453 to scale head 8153. Weighhopper 8033 is separately connected by a line 8463 to a separate scalehead 8143. Both of the scale heads in turn are connected to theinput/output board 8183 of weigh computer 8173 through line 8263. Thuseach weigh hopper and its contents can be weighed separately and itscontents cumulatively through its associated scale head simultaneouslywith the other weigh hopper. That is, both weigh hoppers can carry outtheir weighing functions at the same time and independently of oneanother.

Each weigh hopper 8023, 8033 is preferably similar in construction tothe weigh hopper disclosed in FIGS. 62, 63, 65, 66 and 67. That is, eachweigh hopper is mounted in a manner shown in such prior figures forrotation from its normal additive receiving upright position to aninverted discharge position by discharge means including an electricmotor 8483 in the case of weigh hopper 8023 and electric motor 8493 inthe case of weigh hopper 8033. Each is connected independently to theinput/output board 8233 of the machine computer 8223 through suitableelectrical conductors 8503 and 8513, respectively.

Each weigh hopper, 8023, 8033 also is provided with a motion sensor8533, 8543, respectively, connected to the input/output board 8183 ofweigh computer 8173 through line 8563 for detecting any motion in eitherweigh hopper during the weighing process. The software for the weighcomputer 8173 prevents a final weight determination from being made fora given weigh hopper whenever the motion sensor for that hopper sensesmotion that might give a false or highly inaccurate reading.

The support frame means 8123 for the weighing and delivery components ofthe apparatus is preferably enclosed by housing panels (not shown) in amanner similar to that shown in FIG. 61 to shield and isolate theweighing components of the apparatus from external ambient forces thatcould cause undesirable motion and thus inaccurate weight readings. Suchforces typically might include the effects of wind or jarring of thecomponents by direct contact of personnel. The support frame means 8123is provided with a sensor 8583 which is also connected by line 8563 tothe input/output board of weigh computer 8173. Sensor 8583 is operableto prevent a weight determination from being made whenever a panel isremoved from the support frame 8123. Thus the motion sensors 8533, 8543for the weigh hoppers and the panel sensor 8583 for support frame 8123provide additional means for isolating the weighing components of theapparatus from influences that could affect weight determinations andthe accuracies of such determinations.

A further means of enhancing the accuracy of the weight determinationsof the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 78 is the mounting of the dischargemotors 8483 and 8493 in conjunction with their respective weigh hoppers8023, 8033 so that such motors become part of the tare weight of thehoppers in making additive weight determinations. Because verylightweight, flexible electrical conductors can connect such electricmotors to the operable control components of the apparatus, suchconductors will have no appreciable effect on the weight determinationsof the weigh means. This should be contrasted with the hydraulicallyactuated discharge means in conjunction with the weigh hoppers of priorapparatus. With a prior hydraulically actuated discharge means,relatively stiff hydraulic conduit must connect the hydraulic motorassociated with the hopper to the source of hydraulic fluid remote fromthe hopper. Typically such hydraulic conduit affects weightdeterminations of the hopper in such instances because it inherentlyprovides some structural support for the hopper, thereby influencingload cell weight sensings as ingredients are added to the hopper becausethe conduit is partially supporting some of the load of the addedweight.

The apparatus in FIG. 78 also includes positive mixing means within themixing vessel 8103 in the form of a pair of mixing blades 8603, 8613,each driven by an electric motor 8623, 8633. The mixer motors areconnected by electrical conductor means 8643 to the input/output board8233 of the machine computer 8223. A slurry discharge line 8663 leadsfrom a bottom opening of mixing vessel 8103 to the input side of adischarge pump 8683. The discharge line continues at 8703 from thedischarge side of discharge pump 8683 to a conventional feed mixer suchas typically the truck-mounted feed mixer 8723. A booster pump 8743pumps a liquid carrier such as water from a source (not shown) through afill line 8763 into the mixing vessel. A solenoid operated valve 8753 infill line 8763 controls the admission of the water carrier into themixing vessel and is operated by the machine computer 8223 through asuitable conductor 8783 connected to the input/output board 8233 of suchcomputer.

A flush line 8803 branches from fill line 8763 downstream of boosterpump 8743 and upstream of fill valve 8753. Another solenoid actuatedvalve 8823 in the flush line connected to the input/output board 8233 ofmachine computer 8223 through conductor 8843, controls the admission offlush fluid into the mixing vessel.

The hardware components of the control system including the weighcomputer 8173, machine computer 8223 and their associated input/outputboards, the printer 8283, and the remote control unit 8203, may besimilar to those same units described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 61. Similarly, the software controlling the operation of suchcomputers can be varied to vary the operating sequence of the machine ofFIG. 78.

A typical operating sequence of the machine of the apparatus of FIG. 78is as follows:

A driver drives a feedtruck into a feed-receiving station in a cattlefeedlot. The driver departs his vehicle, approaches the remote controlunit 8203 and selects the formulation of feed additive concentrates tobe batched and delivered into his truck, depending on the specific lotof animals to be fed within the feedlot. The formulation is selectedtypically by the operator depressing a key corresponding to theformulation selected on the computer terminal of the remote controlunit.

Assuming that predetermined weights of two additives A1, A2 in storagecontainers 8053 and two additives A5, A6 from storage containers 8063are to be included in the formulation, the dispenser 8083 for containerA1 begins to dispense the additive A1 into weigh hopper 8023. At thesame time, the dispenser 8093 for container A5 begins to dispenseadditive A5 into weigh hopper 8033. The dispensing of additive A1 intoweigh hopper 8023 continues until a predetermined weight of suchadditive has been added to such hopper as determined by the load cells8363, 8373 and the associated scale head 8153, at which point the weighcomputer 8173 stops the dispensing of additive A1 from its storagecontainer by stopping its associated dispensing means 8083. At the sametime, a weight determination of the additive A5 added to weigh hopper8033 is determined in the same manner, but independently of the weightdetermination occurring in hopper 8023.

When the predetermined weight of additive A1 has been added to weighhopper 8023, depending on programming, two alternative functions canoccur. Either the weigh hopper 8023 can be inverted by motor 8483 todischarge the additive A1 into the mixing vessel 8103 and then returnedto its upright position to receive the next additive A2, or the weighhopper can remain in its upright position while the dispenser 8083 foradditive A2 operates to add, cumulatively, the predetermined weight ofadditive A2 to weigh hopper 8023. If the latter sequence is used, weighhopper 8023 is inverted by its discharge motor 8483 to discharge thepredetermined weights of additive A1 and additive A2 together into themixing vessel 8103. The same options are available with respect to theaddition of additives A5 and A6 to weigh hopper 8033 and the dischargeof the contents of the weigh hopper 8033 into the mixing vessel 8103. Itis important to note that both weigh hoppers 8023 and 8033 can operateentirely independently to weigh and discharge their preselectedadditives into the mixing vessel 8103, although the machine and weighcomputers could also be programmed to cause both weigh hoppers 8023,8033 to wait until all of the selected additives have been added andweighed within each weigh hopper and then both weigh hoppers invertedsimultaneously by their respective motors to discharge all of theweighed additives at once into the mixing vessel. That is, each additivecan be added, weighed and discharged either separately or cumulativelywith other additives, depending on the programming selected for thecontrol system.

Regardless of which of the above described dispensing, weighing anddischarge options are selected, preferably booster pump 8743 pumps thecarrier water through open valve 8753 and fill line 8763 to fill themixing vessel 8103 to a predetermined level before any additive isdischarged into the mixing vessel. This will prevent different andpossibly incompatible additives from intermixing in concentrated formand also prevent additives from sticking to the inside walls of thevessel, making it difficult to remove such additives even after carrierwater or flush water is added to the vessel.

Also preferably before the discharge of any additives into the mixingvessel in making up a batch, mixing blades 8603, 8613 rotate to create aturbulent flow within the mixing vessel so that additives entering theliquid carrier are quickly intermixed with and dispersed throughout thecarrier, thereby diluting the concentrates.

When the predetermined weights of the selected additives A1, A2, A5 andA6 all have been weighed in their respective weigh hoppers 8023, 8033and discharged into the water carrier within mixing vessel 8103, mixingblades 8603, 8613 continue to rotate for a time to ensure a uniformdispersal of all additives throughout the carrier liquid slurry thusformed. Of course at this time, booster pump 8743 shuts off and fillline valve 8753 closes, as does flush line valve 8823.

When mixing is complete within mixing vessel 8103, discharge pump P2operates to pump the slurry formulation from the mixing vessel throughdischarge line 8663 and to the waiting feed mixer truck 8723 throughdischarge line 8703. When the level of slurry within the mixing vesseldrops below a predetermined level as determined by level sensors (notshown) within the vessel, booster pump 8743 restarts and flush linevalve 8823 opens to pump flush water into the mixing vessel through itstop and along its side walls to flush all slurry residue from thevessel. Flushing continues as the discharge of slurry proceeds throughthe discharge lines 8663, 8703. Discharge pump 8683 continues to operateduring the complete flush period, pumping the flush liquid with theslurry into the feed mixer truck 8723. After a predetermined length oftime sufficient to enable the complete flushing of the mixing vessel anddischarge lines, and the pumping of all slurry into the feed mixer 8723,booster pump 8743 stops and flush valve 8823 closes. Pump 8683 continuesto operate until all of the slurry and most of the flush liquid ispumped into the feed mixer 8723. Thereafter the truck operator returnsto his truck and drives away as the mixing of the feed and slurrycontinues. Typically, the driver drives to the feed bunks of selectedpens or lots of animals and delivers the additive-bearing feed into thebunks immediately upon departure from the additive receiving station.Thereafter, typically, another feed mixer truck arrives at the additivereceiving station represented by the position of truck 8723 and thatoperator goes through the same procedure as just described, selectingthe same or a different formulation depending on the requirements of theanimals within the lot or pens that are to be fed with the feed rationfrom such truck.

During the additive formulating process as just described, the systemwill not allow a weight determination of a given additive to be made solong as a panel is removed from the support frame 8123 as detected bysensor 8583. Nor will a weight determination be made if either one ofthe motion sensors 8533, 8543 associated with each weigh hopper detectsmovement of a weigh hopper that could affect the weight determination tobe made in such weigh hopper.

Typically, scale heads 8143, 8153 receive weight sensings from theirrespective load cells 6 to 8 times per second. The scale heads thenaverage such readings for that given unit of time and send the averagereading via line 8263 to the input/output board 8183 of the weighcomputer 8173. Computer 8173 then records the averaged weight per unitof time as the weight upon which the computer acts to control theoperation of the additive dispensing means and discharge means. Becauseof the large number of readings being averaged before the average istransmitted to the weigh computer, any single erroneous readingtransmitted to a scale head by the load cells will have an insignificanteffect on the accuracy of the averaged reading transmitted from thescale head to the weigh computer for processing. This slow updating ofthe weigh computer (about once per second or less) with an average of alarge number of weight sensings received by the scale head is furtherinsurance against inaccurate weight readings and enhances the accuracyof the entire system. If the computer updating were faster (such astwice per second or more), an erroneous reading would have a greatereffect on the accuracy of weights recorded and processed by thecomputer.

FIG. 79 is a flowchart of a computer program applicable to the computersof FIG. 74 and representing a modification of the program of FIG. 75 foroperating the apparatus of, for example, FIG. 76 on a weight-compensatedmetering basis.

The flowchart of FIG. 79 incorporates steps 5003-5303 of the FIG. 75program in box 9003 and also the completion-of-metering step 5323 of thesame program. When all microingredients have been metered into themixing vessel 6123, the program continues to sequence through steps5493-5823 of the metering program of FIG. 75, skipping steps 5343-5483because the apparatus of FIG. 76, unlike the apparatus of FIGS. 74 and78, does not use a weigh hopper.

As the program continues to sequence through mixing and discharge steps5493-5823 as indicated at box 9023 in FIG. 79, the program also, atleast after so many metering cycles, or if desired after every meteringcycle, reads the weight of each microingredient storage container 6003,6023, 6043, 6063 as indicated at 9043. Thereafter, as indicated at box9063, the program commands the computer to calculate the actual loss ofweight of the ingredient storage containers to determine the actualweight of each microingredient metered, by subtracting the weight ofeach storage container sensed after metering at 9043 from the initialweight of each storage container prior to such metering steps.

The program also commands the computer to calculate the theoreticalweight loss of each storage container, which is also the theoreticalweight of each ingredient used, by multiplying the metering rate of eachmetering device 6103 in, for example, grams per minute, by the length oftime each metering device 6103 has operated, as indicated at box 9083.The program then commands the computer to compare the actual weight ofingredient used as calculated at 9063 with the theoretical or targetweight of ingredient used as calculated at 9083, as indicated at box9103. From this comparison the program commands the computer to adjusteither the time that each metering device 6103 operates, or the rate ofspeed at which each such device operates, or both, during a meteringcycle so that the actual weight of ingredient used as determined byweighing equals the desired or theoretical weight of ingredient used asdetermined by metering. This adjustment command occurs at box 9123 inthe computer program. When the metering speed or time adjustment ismade, the program returns to the start of the metering cycle asindicated at box 9003.

The program also includes a fill mode or routine which is used whenevera microingredient storage bin 6003, 6023, 6043, 6063 is refilled. Insuch mode, the program commands a reading of the initial weight of thestorage container being refilled at box 9143. The additionalmicroingredient is then added to the storage container as indicated inbox 9163. The program then commands a reading of the filled weight ofthe storage container at box 9183 and enters such weight in computermemory. At this point the fill subroutine has been completed and theapparatus is conditioned to start another metering cycle.

The foregoing described program operates the apparatus of FIG. 76primarily as a metering apparatus. However, the metering devices 6103are adjusted after completion of a predetermined number of meteringcycles based on actual loss-of-weight determinations of each storage binas registered by the weighing means 6083 for each storage container.Thus the apparatus of FIG. 76 when operated in accordance with theprogram of FIG. 79 is actually a hybrid weigh-metering system in whichthe metering components are periodically readjusted so that thetheoretical or target weights of ingredients metered will closelyapproximate the actual weights of ingredients dispensed.

The described weight-compensated metering system can also be used in acontinuous mill application in contrast to the batch mill applicationdescribed with respect to FIG. 76. In a continuous mill system, themetering devices meter the additive concentrates continuously atpredetermined rates from their storage bins into a liquid carrier, whichin turn flows into a feed ration at a predetermined rate. In such asystem, weight losses of the storage bins can be determined periodicallyand then used to calculate the necessary adjustments of metering ratesof the metering devices to bring the actual weights of additivesdispensed per unit of time by metering into line with the theoreticalweights desired. This can be done without interruption of metering,simply by adjusting the speed controls or the metering devices.

XI.) Feed Delivery 2

This subsection describes additional process steps and system componentsfor delivering feed to animals. These process steps and systemcomponents can be used in conjunction with the disclosed AIF.

Referring now to FIG. 80 of the drawings, there is shown several cattlepens 1214 in a feedlot, each having an associated feed bunk. A feed bunkholds a ration, i.e., a type of feed, in a selected quantity for thecattle contained within the pen. The arrow 1814 represents a route thata truck 2014 may take for the driver to view the condition of each feedbunk from the truck cab. That route, as will be described, depends onwhich cattle pens contain cattle and are thus currently receiving feed.

Each pen and associated feed bunk have means of identification such asan alphanumeric symbol (i.e., a101, d104, 112, etc.) mounted near thetruck route that can be read by the person viewing the bunks.Alternatively, the identification may be through automated means such asan RF signal transmitted locally by a transmitter 2214 or a bar code2414 affixed to the cattle pen. Such means provide an accurateidentification of the pen without the driver having to attempt a writtenentry onto a feed card.

To “read” the bunks, i.e., identify the bunks and assignment dataregarding feed rations, the driver carries in the cab a portablecomputer 2614 such as a PDT111 manufactured by the MSI Data Corporation.The computer 2614 includes a data entry means such as a keyboard 2814for entering feed assignment data and a display screen 3014 foroptimally viewing yard sheet data while making a feed assignment. If thecattle pens include automated identification means such as thetransmitter 2214 or bar code 2414, a corresponding data entry means suchas a machine capable of reading the identification signal is coupled tothe computer 2614. For reading the bar codes 2414, a bar code scanner3214, such as the SYMBOLTEC LS8100 available from the MSI Corporation,is connected to the computer 2614 via a conventional laser interfacemodule 3414. For reading the RF signals generated by transmitters 2214,a conventional RF receiver 3614 may be connected to the computer 2614via a conventional demodulator/decoder module 3814. Whichever of thescanner 3214 or receiver 3614 is utilized, the machine is coupled to oneof the computer's serial I/O port 4014. Alternative means of automaticcattle pen identification may include Loran-type radio frequencytriangulation, sound waves, etc.

The portable computer 2614 is adapted to receive the feed consumptiondata before a reading of the feed bunks so that the driver may reviewthat data while entering assignment data. The portable computer 2614 isalso adapted to communicate with a host computer 4214 for transferringthe assignment data to it after all the feed bunks have been read. Themovement of data between computers is illustrated in FIG. 81. Theassignment data is utilized by the host computer to update its feedconsumption data for each of the corresponding cattle pens. The feedconsumption data includes consumption history for each pen, weatherhistory (which affects feeding), physical condition of the feed bunk,which bunks should presently be read, and other data relevant tofeeding. The assignment data may include a change in the ration quantityto be assigned and the present physical condition of the bunk, i.e.,whether the bunk is completely empty, needs to be cleaned, whether thefeed needs to be mixed with hay, or the time of feeding to be changed,etc.

The host computer 4214 is normally located remote from the cattle pensbecause this computer is required for a number of additional feedlotoperational and management tasks that require central access. It shouldbe noted, however, that the portable computer 2614 could be replaced bya “dumb” terminal and linked to the host computer continuously by radiosignal instead of a physical connection. It should also be understoodthat the use of a host computer is not required. The feed consumptiondata could be stored and updated solely in the portable computer 2614.This approach is usually not done because the feed consumption data isutilized for other purposes, such as management and invoicing, and mustbe made available for those purposes in a computer 4214 locatedcentrally in the feedlot.

The host computer 4214 is programmed to utilize the newly enteredassignment data for a number of tasks. One task is to determine the bestor most efficient route for the truck 2014 to read the selected feedbunks in the feedlot. As different cattle pens are emptied and filledwith cattle, this data is entered in the host computer 4214 to updatethe feed consumption data. The computer 4214 calculates therefrom thebest route through the cattle lot to read the currently used bunks. Theroute is transferred to the portable computer as part of the feedconsumption data at the beginning of a bunk reading. At each pen duringthe route, pen numbers may be displayed on screen 3014 after theprevious bunk is read. The entered assignment data is also used toorganize feed rations to be delivered to each feed bunk. This data isdefined as feed delivery data and may be printed out for a feed truckoperator by means of a printer 4414 coupled to the computer 4214 asshown in FIG. 81 and as will be described.

FIGS. 82A and 82B are a flowchart illustrating the computerizedoperation of the bunk reader system. For clarity, each step of theflowchart described herein is followed by a numeral in parenthesescorresponding to the flowchart steps in the figure. Prior to beginning areading of the bunks, the feed consumption data is downloaded from thehost computer 4214 into the portable computer 2614 and the computer 2614placed in the truck cab.

With the driver approaching a feed bunk, the program within the computer2614 is called (5014). The driver is first prompted to enter a number todetermine the identification means for the cattle pen (5214). If heenters the number 1 in response, for example, the computer 2614 displaysan expected pen number from the bunk reader route list generated by thehost computer 4214 and contained within the feed consumption datatransferred to the computer 2614 (5414). If the number 2 is entered, anautomated identification means such as described is employed by thedriver (5614). The driver may also enter the pen number manually ifdesired. The pen number is then displayed for the driver to confirm itscorrectness (5814). He confirms by entering a carriage return on thekeyboard 2814 or reenters the number if it is incorrect (6014).

With the correct pen number confirmed, the driver is prompted to enter afeed code corresponding to a change in the ration quantity assigned tothe pen's feed bunk (6214). The code is simple: +1 is entered toincrease the ration quantity; 0 is entered for no change in the rationquantity; and −1 is entered to decrease the ration quantity. Theseentries are later translated by the host computer 4214 into a percentagechange in the base amount of the ration quantity, e.g., 5%. Note thatthe driver need not identify the ration type explicitly. Thisidentification is made by the host computer from the entered pen number.

At this point, the driver has the option of entering a flag code (6414).Flag codes correspond to the physical condition of the bunk, feedingpriority, feeding mix changes, or other actions to be taken while orbefore more feed is delivered (6614). For example, if the driver noticesa feed bunk is wiped clean or “slick,” he enters a number codeindicating that condition. If the bunk should be cleaned, another codenumber is entered. If hay should be mixed in with the next rationquantity, still another code number is entered, etc.

Once the feed code and flag codes, if desired, have been entered, thecomputer 2614 prompts the driver on whether to display the historicalfeed consumption data for the pen (6814). The driver typically evaluatesthis data only if the feeding of the cattle in the pen appears to beunusual. For example, a bunk that is slick several days in a row mayindicate the base amount of feed is too small. Conversely, too much feedleft over from a prior feeding may indicate the base amount isexcessive. The consumption data indicates the actual ration quantitiesdispensed previously, as well as weather history that may affect priorfeeding (7014). The driver then has the option of changing the baseamount of the next ration quantity (7214) by entering a command. He mayincrease it (7414), decrease it (7614), or leave it unchanged. If thebase amount of the ration quantity is to remain unchanged, the driversimply enters a return on keyboard 2814.

The computer 2614 then checks to determine if the route is finished(7814). If not, the driver is prompted to proceed to the next pen andthe bunk reading continues. Once all feed bunks have been read, thedriver is prompted to confirm that the bunk reading route is finished(7914).

The assignment data entered during the feed bunk reading is transferredto the host computer 4214 for generating feed delivery data. This data,organized by ration type, is used for loading feed trucks and fororganizing feed truck routes through the feed lot. An example of thedelivery data produced by the host computer 4214 for the feed trucks isshown in Table I below.

TABLE I FEED LOADOUT REPORT Pen Pounds to Feed ^(•)a101 500 b102 1000c103 2000 d104 1500 e105 1300 ^(•)F106 2000 g107 3000 h108 4000 i1093000 j110 1500 ^(•)k111 3000 112 3500 m113 3500 MAXIMUM LOAD SIZE = 6000lbs. LOAD NO. 1 ^(•)a101 500 ^(•)F106 2000 ^(•)k111 3000 Total 5500 LOADNO. 2 b102 1000 c103 2000 d104 1500 e105 1300 Total 5800 ^(•)denotesfirst priority to feed

Normally, each feed truck carries one type of feed ration and is filledwith selected ration quantities to its maximum load. For example, inTable I above, the ration quantities for pen number a101, F106, and k111have been combined in a single load of 5500 lbs., that is near themaximum load of 6000 lbs. for a feed truck. These quantities weredetermined from the amount of ration quantity for each pen plus whateverchanges have been made to the base amount from prior readings of thefeed bunks. Note also that the flag code for feeding priority wasentered during the last bunk readings. The priority loads are thuscombined by the computer 4214 into the first load to be delivered to thecattle pens.

Referring now to FIG. 83, there is shown a drawing of a computerizedfeed delivery system. A feed truck 8014 includes a weighing scale 8214for weighing the total load in the truck hopper and for weighingindividually the ration quantities to be dispensed into each feed bunk.The scale is conventional and is adapted to provide an output signalindicating the weight of the load. Accompanying the truck operator isanother portable computer 2614 the same as or similar to the type usedfor bunk reading. It includes a keyboard 2814, display screen 3014, andone or more I/O ports 4014. The computer 2614 is adapted to connect tothe scale 8214 through an I/O port 4014. As in the bunk reader system,the computer 2614 may be associated with other data entry means such asan RF receiver 3614 or bar code scanner 3214. The feed bunks, of course,may include corresponding automated identification means such as RFtransmitters 2214 or bar code 2414. FIG. 83 further shows a feed mill8414 from which feed is obtained for delivery to the feed bunks. Themill 8414 has a number of ration bins 8614 each holding a different typeof ration and having means of identification such as an alphanumericsymbol, radio signal from a transmitter 2214, or a bar code 2414 affixedto the bin.

The type of feed ration and base amount of ration quantity for eachcattle pen when initially filled with cattle is entered into hostcomputer 42 by a feedlot supervisor. The ration quantities may bemodified by the assignment data from the bunk readings. However, if thetype of ration for the pen is changed or if drugs are added to the basicration, this information is entered directly into the host computer.Certain drugs cannot be taken by cattle immediately before they areshipped from the feedlot for slaughter. One of the functions of the feeddelivery system is to make certain that cattle ready for slaughter havedrugs withdrawn from their feed rations in a timely manner, as will beshown.

FIGS. 84A and 84B are a flowchart that illustrates the interactiveprogramming of the computer 2614 for directing the feed truck operatorto deliver the appropriate ration and quantity to each pen. Initially,the host computer 4214 has generated the feed delivery data for each penfrom the assignment data received from the bunk reading. Prior todelivery, the feed delivery data shown in Table I is downloaded into theportable computer 2614 via an I/O port 4014. The present manner oftransfer is the same as in FIG. 81, the difference being that in thisstep feed delivery data is transferred from the host computer 4214 tothe portable computer 2614 prior to the delivery and feed dispensed datais transferred from the portable 2614 to the host computer 4214 afterdelivery.

The operator first proceeds to the mill 8414 for loading the feed truckand calls the program (9014). At the mill, he enters his feed deliverytruck number and operator number (9214, 9414). If the operator is usingan RF receiver 3614 or bar code scanner 3214 to identify the particularfeed bin, he enters a return on the keyboard 2814 to automatically readthe identifying ration number, e.g., “2,” on the bin (9614, 9814).Otherwise, the ration number is entered manually. The operator thenconnects the computer 2614 through its I/O port 4014 to the scale 8214and enters a return to record the empty scale weight (1004, 1024). Thatinformation may be entered manually as well (1004). The operatorproceeds to load the feed truck to the level specified in Table I,provided to him on a printout (1044). The scale is again read todetermine the total weight of feed loaded, either automatically (1064,1084) or manually (1064). At this point, the ration number and the totalration quantity loaded into the truck have been recorded in the computer2614, as well as the ration quantity or amount to be delivered to eachpen in Table I.

The driver then proceeds to the first pen 1214 whose number, a101, isretrieved from the route list produced by the host computer 4214 anddisplayed on the display screen 3014 (1104). Upon arriving at theindicated pen, the driver identifies the pen using a machine (1124,1144) or manually (1124). The computer 2614 in response compares theentered pen number against the pen numbers that are to receive thatration number to determine if the operator has driven to a correct pen(1164). If the two numbers do not match, an alarm is given (1184). Theoperator is then asked via the screen 3014 if dispensing feed for thatpen should be aborted (1204). An affirmative answer aborts the feedingat the pen, and the screen 3014 directs the driver to proceed to thenext pen. The operator gives a negative answer to override and dispensethe feed. The computer then determines if there is a feed withdrawalproblem, as described (1224). As before, an alarm is given if apotential problem exists (1244) and the operator is given the chance toabort the pen feeding (1264).

Immediately before the operator proceeds to dispensing the feed, thescale is again read manually or automatically (1284, 1304). The computer2614 then displays on the screen 3014 the target weight for the truckoperator (1324). The operator dispenses feed (1344), with the computer2614 monitoring the scale weight as the weight dispensed approaches thedesired ration quantity for the feed bunk. The operator is notified byalarm or otherwise when the dispensed quantity is close to the desiredquantity, such as within a hundred pounds (1364). Once the rationquantity for the pen has been dispensed, the operator enters theremaining scale weight into the computer (1384) to confirm the quantity.This entry can be made manually or automatically (1404).

The program then checks to determine if the delivery route is finished(1424). If not, the driver is prompted to proceed to the next pen andits number is displayed (1104). The program continues until each pen onthe route has received its ration quantity (1444).

On returning to the host computer, the portable computer 2614 is takenfrom the feed truck 8014 and the data and actual feed dispensed istransferred from the computer 2614 to the host computer 4214. This datais used to charge feed costs to the lot owners whose cattle arecontained in the pens. An example of data generated by host computer4214 after comparing the feed delivery data against the feed dispenseddata is shown in Table II.

TABLE II FEED TRUCK NO. 1 REPORT Pen Ration Ordered Fed Diff Date Timea101 2 500 505 5 1/21 5:17 PM F106 2 2000 1998 −2 1/21 5:19 PM k111 23000 3002 2 1/21 5:20 PM

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of myinvention may be applied, I claim as my invention all such embodimentsas may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims andequivalents thereto.

1. A system for tracking an animal, comprising: a physical identifier totransmit animal data for an identified animal, wherein at least aportion of the animal data comprises an animal identifier; a data readerto read transmitted animal data from the physical identifier; a GPSdevice for transmitting location data for the identified animal; a dataservice provider to store received data from the data reader, whereinthe data service provider adds to the animal data a premises identifierthat corresponds to a location, wherein the data service providercorrelates the animal data according to an animal identification value;and a data trustee to receive at least a portion of the animal data fromthe data service provider, wherein the data trustee is configured tostore received animal data, apply a filter to the stored animal data tofilter confidential information from the received animal data, therebyproviding filtered data including the animal identifier, wherein theconfidential information includes the premises identifier, receive arequest for a trace report, wherein the request includes the animalidentifier, a data record address corresponding to the stored animaldata, or a combination thereof, and generate a trace report based on thereceived animal data, wherein the trace report lists one or morelocations that the identified animal has occupied without disclosing thepremises identifier; and a database maintained by the data trustee. 2.(canceled)
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computersystem comprising one or more various computers, the computer systemconfigured to: store characteristic data concerning an individualanimal; correlate the characteristic data with the animal identifier;and transmit at least a portion of the characteristic data to the dataservice provider.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising apremises allocator configured to provide the premises identifier, apremises identifier repository, an animal identification repository, orany combination thereof.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising aweb-based interface for correcting the trace report.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, where the data trustee further is configured to transmit to agovernment-accessible database at least a portion of the filtered dataincluding the animal identifier and the data record address.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, where the data trustee further is configured to:apply a filter to separate the animal data into official data andnon-official data; transmit the official data to an official database;and subsequently filter the official data to provide the filtered data.8. The system of claim 7, further comprising the official database. 9.The system of claim 7, further comprising a secured database in whichthe non-official data is stored.
 10. A method for tracking an animal,comprising: receiving, by a data trustee, animal data and an animalidentifier for an identified animal, wherein the animal data compriseslocation data including a premises identifier for a location presentlyor previously occupied by the identified animal; storing the animal dataand the animal identifier in a database maintained by the data trustee;filtering confidential information from the animal data to providefiltered data, wherein the confidential information includes thepremises identifier; transmitting to a government-accessible database atleast a portion of the filtered data including the animal identifier anda data record address corresponding to the stored animal data for theidentified animal; receiving a request for a trace report for theidentified animal, wherein the request comprises the data record addressfor the identified animal; generating a trace report for the identifiedanimal that lists the location that the identified animal has occupiedwithout disclosing the premises identifier; and providing the tracereport to an authorized user.
 11. The method of claim 10 where the tracereport further comprises a date the identified animal lived at thelocation, a group identifier associated with the identified animal whenthe identified animal lived at the location, or both.
 12. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the location data includes premises identifiers for aplurality of locations presently or previously occupied by theidentified animal, and wherein the trace report lists locations that theidentified animal has occupied without disclosing the premisesidentifiers.
 13. The method of claim 10 where generating the tracereport further comprises: comparing the location data of the identifiedanimal to location history data for other animals; and generating areport of shared locations where the identified animal commingled withother animals.
 14. The method of claim 13 where the trace reportincludes animal identifiers for the other animals that commingled withthe identified animal.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising:applying, by the data trustee, a filter to separate the animal data intoofficial data and non-official data; transmitting the official data toan official database; and subsequently filtering confidentialinformation from the official data to provide the filtered data.
 16. Themethod of claim 15 where the official data comprises a premisesidentifier for each location occupied by the identified animal, a groupidentifier, a lot identifier, a date and time the identified animal wasat a premises, when a tag was allocated to the identified animal, when atag was applied to the identified animal, when a tag for the identifiedanimal was lost, when a tag for the identified animal was replaced, whenthe identified animal was moved into a premises, when the identifiedanimal was moved out of a premises, when the identified animal wasimported or exported, sightings of the identified animal, when theidentified animal was slaughtered or died, veterinarian inspections,drug information for the identified animal, or any combination thereof.17. The method of claim 15 where the non-official data comprises height,weight, size, age, sex, species, color, feed type, or any combinationthereof.
 18. The method of claim 10 where the animal data and the animalidentifier are received from an animal producer or a data serviceprovider.
 19. A method for tracking an animal, comprising: receiving ananimal; storing in a computer system a unique animal identifier for theanimal from a physical identifier for the animal; entering into thecomputer system animal data relating to the identified animal andcorrelating the animal data with the animal identifier in the computersystem; entering into the computer system location data for theidentified animal for a location occupied by the animal, wherein thelocation data includes a premises identifier; correlating, by thecomputer system, the location data for the identified animal with theanimal identifier; transmitting, by the computer system, data for theidentified animal to a data trustee comprising a database-and storingthe data in the database, wherein the data comprises at least the animalidentifier and the premises identifier; transmitting, by the datatrustee, to a government-accessible database filtered data including theanimal identifier and a data record address corresponding to the datastored for the identified animal in the data trustee database, whereinfiltered data is obtained by applying a data filter to filterconfidential information including at least the premises identifier fromthe stored data; receiving, by the data trustee, a request for a tracereport for the identified animal, wherein the request comprises the datarecord address for the identified animal; generating, by the datatrustee, a trace report for the identified animal that lists one or morelocations that the identified animal has occupied without disclosing thepremises identifier; and enabling an authorized user to view the tracereport.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising entering into thecomputer system a group identifier for the animal.
 21. The method ofclaim 20 where the group identifier for the animal represents a feed penwhere the animal is contained, a premises arrival date for the animal,or a combination thereof.